Neil Staines is hoping his debut trip to Albion Park can be a successful one.
The Yass trainer is making the long journey north from his Southern Tablelands base with Pumped Up Zarr for Thursday night’s heats of the Group 1 Macro Meats Gold Cup (710m).
Pumped Up Zarr goes into the race in solid form but faces some daunting foes.
Staines has never been to the Brisbane track before and is hopeful his arduous trek will not be in vain.
“I’m really excited to be heading up there,” Staines said.
“I can’t ask for anymore from the dog. He is stepping up to the plate and while he is doing that, he deserves his chance.”
Pumped Up Zarr is in decent nick, having won over 515m at Bulli last week.
The stayer has a modest nine wins and nine other placings from 34 outings but has previously won over 720m at Wentworth Park.
Staines has had the dog for a handful of starts on behalf of Melbourne-based connections and believes he can make an impact interstate.
“He is a 42.3 dog at Wentworth Park (over 720m), which tells me he can be competitive,” Staines said.
“I thought he equipped himself very well in the Association Cup at Wentworth Park (finishing fourth in his heat) and he deserves his chance.
“He seems to like the Yass water and has been going well, so he could be one to watch.”
Pumped Up Zarr starts from box one and will need to be at his best against tough opposition.
Tarks Nemesis (box two) has been a recent standout at Sandown Park over 715m and is worthy of consideration.
Classy campaigner Wag Tail goes from box six, while box four dog Golfing Amy has been a regular placer at Angle Park.
“I don’t know too much about the rest of the field but I don’t think it matters too much,” Staines said.
“If the dog turns up on the night then I know he can compete.”
The race is the third heat and goes off at 7.41pm.
Albion Park hosts the $75,000-to-the-winner final on Thursday, June 12.
