Trainer Mathrick pins Valley hopes on in-form Shoeless
Mathrick had found the perfect race at the ideal venue for speedster Unflinching on Saturday, duly entering him for a 1000m contest on a track at which the gelding had won six times.
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The bargain online buy had thrilled Mathrick with his trials leading up to his return to racing but the racing gods were having none of it, conspiring against the trainer.
'I set him for that race and he trialled enormous. The horse was airborne,' Mathrick said.
'I had him scoped and he had a trapped epiglottis and an infection. Unbelievable.
'He's on some medication so he's now a couple of weeks away.
'He'll be fine soon enough.'
• Brad Waters' The Valley Saturday tips, race-by-race analysis
Consistent galloper Shoeless could ease Mathrick's disappointment in the EDSA Group Handicap (1600m).
Mathrick has Shoeless racing in great heart with three wins and five minor placings in the gelding's last eight starts.
Mathrick said Shoeless could have added at least another couple of wins to his recent tally had the son of Shooting To Win had more luck in his races.
Shawn Mathrick has handy miler Shoeless racing in the best form of his career leading into Saturday's meeting at The Valley. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images
'I think he should have won his five,' Mathrick said.
'He's had no luck, been locked away on the fence and couldn't get out but he just has that big powerful finish at the end.'
The trainer said Shoeless's last-start win in Adelaide was better than it looked on paper with things looking dire at the halfway mark before the five-year-old powered home under jockey Zac Spain.
• Melbourne Cup plans grow for US stayer
'He didn't handle that track at Morphettville,' Mathrick said.
'He was off the bit about 800(m) out and I thought, 'we're in trouble here' but when he balanced up, he hit the line hard.'
Shoeless will be one 13 runners in Saturday's $130,000 race at Benchmark 74 level.
Jockey Craig Newitt will ride Shoeless from barrier one at The Valley.
Mathrick said a strong early gallop would suit Shoeless's strong-finishing style.
'With a bit of luck, with the rail in the true (position), he'll be able to get home at The Valley,' Mathrick said.
'They don't have to go mad in front because he can sprint for 600m.
'But it would be good if they went mad.'
Shoeless is an $8.50 chance to earn another reward for his consistency with a win at The Valley.
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