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Local trainer Kurt Goldman doesn’t believe in leaving anything to chance as he closes in on the big prizemoney at Goulburn this Saturday.
Goldman prepares exciting prospect Ruthless Agent who tackles the $150,000 Country Championships *SERA Qualifier (1400m) at just his fifth race start.
“He is raw and still learning his trade but is continually improving,” Goldman said. “He has a lot of ability from day one and has really come on this preparation both mentally and physically.”
Ruthless Agent commenced his racing life in Queensland where he scored on the Gold Coast at his debut.
“We always take a team up north each year and he joined my good filly Eckstein (third in the $2 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas) just as a mate,” Goldman revealed.
“He was supposed to come home but we decided to run him at the Gold Coast. He seemed to thrive up there and I kept him on the water walker and he loved it.
“He was doing so well we then sent him out at Murwillumbah and he won again. It was a big win as he looked beaten halfway down the straight but he jumped out of the ground near the finish to win again.
“I then brought him back to Goulburn as I needed him down here to get his benchmark rating up to ensure he gets a start in the Country Championships.”
Canberra was next port of call and again Ruthless Agent did the job in keeping his unbeaten record intact.
“I then took him to Rosehill to get him used to music and the crowds. He finished fourth but I was very pleased with the run.
“He didn’t have the best of luck getting a squeeze down the straight and clipped another horse’s heels at the 250m.
“I will put blinkers on him for the first time this Saturday and the 1400-metres on his home track should suit him down to the ground.
“He’s a lovely horse in his manner and works with you rather than against you which makes my job much easier. He shows up every morning and is a pleasure to train.”
Mitchell Bell has been booked to partner Ruthless Agent this Saturday at Goulburn.
The first and second placegetters from Saturday’s SERA Country Championships Qualifier then head to Royal Randwick for the $400,000 Country Championships Final (1400m) on Saturday 1 April.
*SERA: South East Racing Association
This preview of The Championships is brought to you by Racing NSW. Mark Brassel writes for Racing NSW Magazine, racingnsw.com.au and thechampionships.com.au