Image: Pat Scala
Michael Hickmott is not letting the profit prospects in South Australia distract from his attention to matters at home.
Spread across two states north and south this weekend, Michael Hickmott is eyeing prizes on the first day of the Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast, but is also playing big odds closer to home.
Cielao heads to Murray Bridge on Saturday in search of a third straight win and will start the Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1400m) as the $2.80 favorite to jump barrier two.
The light-race four-year-old has recorded four wins and one placing in her eight-start career so far and Hickmott can’t understand why her run couldn’t continue.
“She has trained well since her last start and we train from a farm so these horses last a long time,” Hickmott said.
“At some point she’ll find her mark ratings-wise, but she’s got a three-kilo claim.
Caitlin Tootel makes the ride over the mare with that student’s claim, bringing the load to 56 kilos.
Cielao was dropped from a race at Gawler on January 3 when he was drawn in barrier ten.
“There’s no reason to think she won’t be competitive again on Saturday,” Hickmott added.
“We scored recently because of a difficult draw and we just keep going.”
Earlier on the card, Hickmott has Carpe Astra attempting to break the duck in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Maiden Plate (1100m) and is in the market as second favorite at $4.40.
“Carpe Astra won’t drop further than second place,” Hickmott said.
“Her only danger is actually (favorite) Bardigrub.”
Carpe Astra, a three-year-old daughter of Lord Of The Sky, finished third on her first day of racing at Murray Bridge on December 20, with that first race since having produced a winner and a placegetter.
The filly then sharpened up with a victory in the 600 meters earlier this week.
*Existing customers only. 2nd race bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Responsible gambling.
Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?
Set a deposit limit.
#Hickmotts #strong #Murray #Bridge #hopes #horse #racing