McCarthy has two of Australia’s best open-class pacers Kingman (Always B Miki) and Don Hugo (Art major) and stylish Kiwi pacer Pinseeker will join them in the coming weeks.
In fact, Pinseeker is already in his Cobbitty stables, but is still trained by Jonny Cox.
Pinseeker opened his latest Aussie campaign last Saturday night with a slick 1min49.7sec mile free-for-all win at Menangle.
Cox confirmed he would campaign for Pinseeker until Miracle Mile night on March 14 and then transfer him to McCarthy.
Pinseeker will attempt to qualify for a Miracle Mile berth via one of the two sprints at Menangle on Saturday week.
Cox said Pinseeker’s wayward tendency in longer races made it attractive to leave him with McCarthy.
“We just don’t have the short course options at home and he can race over a mile here almost every week for $30,000,” he said.
“The sprint races and the way they are held here ensure that he does not get the chance to overrace.
“Luke has a great setup with his track, the water runner and his hill track. I’m sure the horse will love it here.”
Cox was thrilled with the fight Pinseeker showed to win after working into the lead and making quick splits last Saturday.
“I was happy with him. He was vulnerable in the 100 meters, but he held up really well,” he said.
“He will also be better in running, in terms of fitness and experience in those types of tough races at Menangle.
“He’s won before, but it was different. He got a 60-second half and actually only sprinted home a quarter.”
“The other day it was go, go, go from the start.”
Pinseeker worked an opening quarter of 26.1 seconds, followed by a second gap of 28.2 seconds, then stormed home in 55.4 and 27.4 seconds.
“It’s going to be harder from here but he came through it well and will get better. I put him on the water walker with Luke the morning after (the race) and he came through really well.”
Cox said skipping this week’s Newcastle Mile fits in with Pinseeker’s campaign.
“He did that run in Addington and raced here a week later, so it would be ideal to get two weeks now and have more time to get to Luke’s house,” he said.
“Besides, if he was beaten at Newcastle (where only the winner gets a guaranteed Miracle Mile), we should have run him in the qualifiers the following week anyway.”
Possible rivals for Pinseeker on Saturday week include Kingman, Swayzee, Don Hugo, Hi Managirlff and Captains Knock.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing Australia
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