Stumbles seeking sentimental home victory
Apprentice jockey Cooper Stumbles will return home to ride at Wingatui on Friday, where family members are hoping they will be cheering home his first winner.
The Waikato-based rider, who has 11 raceday rides under his belt, is one race shy of a full book of rides, with his first mount, Sacred Mist, providing him one of his best opportunities of the day.
Part-owned by his parents, Grant and Maria Stumbles, Sacred Mist is trained by local horseman Terry Kennedy, who is hoping he can provide the 19-year-old hoop with a fitting first win in the Grand Casino 1600.
“Cooper Stumbles’ parents have a share in her, so hopefully we can get Cooper his first win,” Kennedy said.
“He helped us out for a couple of years off and on when he didn’t have school. He has always been part of the family.
“Cooper’s mum, Maria Stumbles (nee Dowling), is my wife’s cousin, so it’s all part of the family.”
Sacred Mist heads into the race in good form, having won two of her last three starts.
“She is going well and has four kilos off her back, which I think will help on the track (Heavy10) on Friday,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy will also line-up Proudtobehere in the same race.
“She hasn’t raced since Riccarton (when eighth over 1800m on August 1),” he said. “She just didn’t cop the track at Riccarton, got down on the worst part of the track and still went a creditable race.
“She has done well since she raced.”
Kennedy will also have a two-pronged attack in the Positive Signs + Print 1200 courtesy of stable newcomer Hollyhockaroo and Litteral.
“Hollyhockaroo hasn’t raced for nearly 12 months, so she is going to improve quite a bit,” Kennedy said. “I have only had her for three months, Dave Walsh trained her prior. She didn’t handle the synthetic up there (Riccarton) that well, that is why she has come to me.
“Litteral has been going alright races, and she is a chance in that sort of race.”
Kennedy believes he has saved his best for last, and said Yoo Hoo Joy is a big chance in the KB Contractors 1400.
“She is probably one of my better runners for the day,” Kennedy said. “She has been going good races. Back to rating 60 you would think she will be very competitive.”
