Bathurst Monday preview: Greg Stephens-trained Geostorm out to win race named in his honour
Housed some 250km away in Canberra, Geostorm will be one of four Greg Stephens -trained gallopers making the trip, one that clearly delights the eight-year-old son of Golden Rose winner Epaulette.
'He just loves everything there,'' Stephens said.
'He likes the different air over that side of the world, it's a bit fresher and clearer than the coast.
'I think he is a bit like us, he loves the journey. It's actually a very scenic journey.
'A lot of people don't like the road we go on because it is winding and everything but we just go slow.
'We just poke along and I think that suits (the horses) too; they're not working on the truck.'
Geostorm's title defence begins on Monday in the appropriately named Horse of The Year: Geostorm Benchmark 58 Handicap (1406m).
'He has always got a chance,'' Stephens says.
'There's speed in the race but Brock's (Ryan) smart and it might be our turn to push someone else along instead of letting them push us.'
Stephens' remaining three runners all appear in quaddie legs at Monday's meeting.
• Everest possibility for Waller's new leading Lady
Geostorm kicks it off followed by the well-bred Niccolina, Tillman and the reliable Press Statement gelding Media Coverage.
Niccolina, whose dam is a sister to Amelia's Dream, has raced at Bathurst twice for a second and a third.
The daughter of Nicconi will go around with just 51kg on her back in the race named after the Club's Apprentice Jockey Of The Year, Siena Grima.
'Everything is good with her,'' Stephens reported.
'Young Caitlan (Sinclair) suits her very well. She loves the horse so they gel and I think if we can have a little bit of luck in transit, she'll certainly be there.'
Tillman meanwhile is another of Stephens' string who excels at Bathurst.
This particular son of the aforementioned Epaulette has a win and a third from his two runs there.
'He will run the journey out and Brock will suit him really well,'' Stephens says.
'He'll rate him perfectly and put him in the race on the turn where he needs to be.'
Bringing it home for the Canberra quartet is Media Coverage in the last.
'We have got big raps on the horse,'' Stephens said. 'He has been very unlucky all this campaign.'
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