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Alby Hits Back After Tough Run of Luck
Just a few months ago, nothing went right for Cluden trainer Alby Molino.
He was experiencing the lean, luckless runs that racing can often dish out.
But with fresh horses, and a tough resolve, Molino was again on an upper after enjoying one of his best days as a trainer at Cluden on Friday.
The ever popular Molino landed a winning double with Coolmeans and Mama’s Man, and went within a whisker of a rare Townsville treble when Smart Thinker was pipped in the last.
And to round out a strong day his good galloper Focus ran a creditable third to Cairns flyer More The Merrier.
“They’ve all been running well since they came in after Christmas. Focus won last week and he ran really well to finish third today, and I think there’s another win in him soon over more ground,” Molino said.
“Last year we had a frustrating run. Everything went wrong and I’d just about had enough after putting all of that work into it.
“I’ve got nine in work and I bought the last four myself so the battle is getting owners.
“Days like today are great. I’ve trained doubles before but overall, I think it’s one of my best days here.”
Molino was especially pleased that his decision to make some changes worked a treat with Mama’s Man, ridden by Nathan Thomas, and Coolmeans, with Frank Edwards in the saddle.
“He’s (Mama’s Man) just been in and out and not concentrating, and has had some bad draws as well. Earlier they wanted to take a sit with him and come from behind and it just wasn’t his go,” Molino said.
“So, this time in I said no he’s better going forward and it worked out.
“In Coolmeans’ last couple of runs he’s still been coming on at the end of 1400m and now that he’s getting older I thought we’d try the mile.
“I was a bit worried early when he grabbed the bit, but then he settled and really fought for the win. I was happy with that - with 61kg on his back.
“’I think if we get him to settle a bit better he can get over 2000m.”
“Good to have Frank on him too. He’s ridden winners for me over quite a few years.”
Leading trainer Georgie Holt continued to build a runaway lead in the Cluden premiership when Margot Barbie won the 2YO QTIS Hcp thanks to a confident ride by Jackson Murphy.
Margot Barbie controlled the race from the front and rallied late to just beat the odds-on favourite Silver Glitter to record Holt’s 18th Townsville winner for the season.
The win also provide Jackson with a timely boost on his return from three months off with a broken foot.
Tolga trainer Roy Chillemi was also in the winners’ stall when his own galloper Mystery ‘N’ Magic claimed the Mitavite Open Hcp (1400m) thanks to a faultless Lacey Morrison ride.
Local trainer Matt McGuire celebrated his 31st birthday in style when enigmatic gelding Castille stormed to victory in the Ladbroke It! C3 Plate (1200m) with Chris Whitely aboard.
And in a strong day for Townsville gallopers, Scapini won the BM55 Hcp (1400m) for in-form trainer Tony Comerford.
See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.