He is a long way from home but there were 12,000 reasons why Barry Morris wanted a crack at the Taylor Family and Clarence Valley Sheds Maiden Classic (407m) at Grafton on Wednesday night.
Morris’s charge Fast Noodle goes from box four and is among eight handy novices involved in the race, the standout of the North Coast Club’s current winter carnival.
It will be a long trip from the south-east Queensland town of Lowood – about 60km west of Brisbane – for Morris and his impressive novice.
With a big prize on offer, though, it’s worth the trainer clocking up the kilometres.
“When I was breaking him in I could see he was ready to go,” Morris said. “Seven Weeks ago he was running real quality times.
“I trialled him at Ipswich and he was went well, so we thought we’d give this a go.
“It’s $12,000 to the winner so we thought this would be as good as any for him.
“It’s a long way to come but when you have a decent dog you don’t mind the travel.”
Fast Noodle starts the final as the joint fastest qualifier, having already chalked up an impressive 22.94 win during last week’s heats.
His sire, the Kelvyn Greenough-trained High Earner, recorded 32 wins from 68 outings and starred at most of the country’s leading tracks.
Mother Surfing Madam chalked up ten wins in a shorter but notable career.
Fast Noodle has been with Morris since his birth and the Queenslander said they made a good combination.
“He is a very calm dog,” the 62-year-old said. “He is good to work with.
“He is very strong and a good hard chaser.
“Grafton should suit him as it’s a one-turn track with a big run to the first corner.
“It’s not the best box draw but I still think he should go well.
“As long as he doesn’t get squeezed at that first corner, he has a chance.”
Ronray Spirit (box seven) has also gone sub-23 seconds, while Spring Missile is also likely to challenge from box six.
The race is the seventh of ten on the card at Grafton, with action under way at 6.04pm.
For Grafton fields, form and expert tips, click here.
