Schofield backs veteran to fire in Gosford Cup defence, whatever the weather
Rain, hail or shine for the Gosford Gold Cup, jockey Chad Schofield and trainer Mick Price agree veteran Hezashocka is ready to step up for his title defence on Saturday.
But there's no doubt they want a wet track.
Last year, Hezashocka relished a heavy track at Newcastle to win the 2200m listed $300,000 race. Back to Gosford, and 2100m, this year, the Big Dance qualifier could again be held on rain-affected ground.
The track was rated a soft 7 on Thursday, and with a high chance of showers to come, it could stay that way, which would please Price.
'Last year the race was moved to Newcastle, and it was a very heavy track,' Price said. 'He needs it wet, but he ran well the other day, and he's on the improve that horse.
'We've got him looking better, eating better and he's a bit stronger.'
The seven-year-old was seventh but making ground late in the group 2 Ajax (1500m) and Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) to start this campaign before finishing well as best of the rest behind Bois D'argent in the group 3 JRA Plate (2000m) last time out.
Price was happy with the performances and was eyeing another crack at the Gosford Cup-group 3 Premier's Cup double.
'We've had this plan because then he goes to the mile and a half race in Queensland that he won last year,' he said.
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