Trevor Rice’s drama-packed trip to the races last week ended in unexpected success – and he could enjoy more wins at Tuesday’s Goulburn meeting.
The trainer, whose in-form chaser Senorita Jem (box eight) looks a great chance here in race two over 350m, was driving to last Thursday’s Dapto races from his south-west Sydney base with his son when his car broke down en route.
Just when his hopes of a successful evening looked sunk, kind-hearted fellow trainer Ben McCauley came past and offered to take Rice’s son and their greyhounds to the meeting while Rice attended to his clapped-out vehicle.
Rice made it back home in time to watch the televised races – and shouted on Senorita Jem as she made it three victories in a row.
“I was cheering at the TV,” he said with a grin. “Her win wasn’t that unexpected, but the circumstances were.
“Ben had a winner as well with Satchmo’s Hankey, so it was a happy night for us both.
“Senorita Jem has never raced at Goulburn competitively, but she went well at a trial down there recently.
“I’ve only had her since just before Christmas for the three starts, but she’s done very well for me. As long as she jumps well again, I think she can win here.”
Senorita Jem has six wins and three minor placings from 15 starts and is developing into a handy chaser.
Rice also has another chaser in good form, Senor Bond, jumping from box one in the day’s fourth race over 350m.
Despite his charge winning two of his last three starts, Rice is not keen on his chances here.
“He doesn’t like the inside boxes,” Rice said. “He had the one at Goulburn two weeks ago, got crowded and finished sixth.
“He is a big dog and doesn’t like plenty of dogs on his outside.
“If he was in seven or eight I would be more confident. He’s going to have to jump well here.”
Big Asset (box two) is a fairly solid chaser and may have a better chance here.
Best bet of the day at Goulburn looks like potential star Cosmic Skittle, who jumps from box four in race six.
Michael Clayton’s sprinter has won three in a row and can overcome the tricky box draw.
Piccadilly Sky looks another decent newcomer and win the 10th from box two.
For Goulburn Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
