Siren on song for Cluden clash

Leading Townsville trainer Georgie Holt is banking on a feather weight to hand Siren Rock the edge over bush cups champ Echo Point at Cluden Park on Tuesday.

Holt has booked 2kg claiming apprentice Krysten Swaffer to give Siren Rock (52kg) a massive 10kg advantage over Country Cups Challenge hero Echo Point (62kg) in the Hygain Open Hcp (1400m).

Siren Rock will head a three-pronged attack on the Christmas Holiday card for Holt who is also keen on the chances of Bil Colyns in the Maiden Plate (1400m) and Average Jane in the Vetta Creative 2YO Open Hcp (1000m).

“I think with that sort of weight and going back to 1400m, Siren Rock is a big chance,” Holt said.

“Initially when we booked Krysten, Echo Point wasn’t in the noms and at that stage we were likely to get around the 58kg. As it turned out Echo Point was a late entry and compressed the weights right down and we ended up with just 54kg.

“Our fellow has been in terrific form and with the claim and just 52kg, I expect him to run very well.”

Siren Rock has been a model of consistency in Townsville since joining the Holt stable as a class 2 horse in September.

The Lonhro gelding has racked up two wins and three seconds from six starts, including a powerhouse win over 1609m at Cluden in open class on November 20.

At his most recent run the gelding dropped back sharply in distance to 1200m in the Magic Millions Country Cup Qualifier last week and turned in a flashing fifth to Yes Dream with Nathan Day in the saddle.

“Nathan said if it had been 1300m he wins,” Holt said.

“From one alley on Tuesday he should be able to settle one or two pairs closer and just needs to get into the clear at the right time.

“Echo Point obviously is a good horse and will be hard to beat but he’s also got a big weight and the outside barrier.

“I think we’re also a chance with Average Jane and dare I say it Bil Colyns.

“We’ve been able to freshen up Average Jane in the paddock between runs and she just keeps improving and she’s drawn the rail where she likes to be.

“Bil Colyns is no star but it’s the right sort of race for him and he’s close to a win.”

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.

Pictured: Siren Rock races clear for an effortless win at Cluden in November. He takes on bush cups champ Echo Point with a feather weight on Tuesday.