Minstrel ready for another crack at the West Australian Pacing Cup

One of the nation’s most beloved pacers Minstrel is being set again for the Western Australia Pacing Cup on 11 December which should delight all harness racing supporters.

Co trainer Greg Bond who prepares Minstrel with his wife Skye is hopeful that the rising ten year old is ready for another crack at the West’s premier feature race.

Bond commented

Everything is good preparing for another tilt at the Pacing Cup. He’d been carrying an issue for 18 months and he’s been found to have Pods disease which is deep suited bruising in the fetlock.  We were able to manage it for a while and then when we organised an MRI we diagnosed the issue.

He’s the first horse we have had that has been diagnosed with this condition. So we came up with a treatment program.

And I’m pleased to say he’s as sound as a bell.

Bond has mapped two lead up races to the Group 1 $450,000 Cup namely the Group 2 $100,000 James Brennan Memorial on 13 November and then the Group 2 $100,000 J P Stratton Cup two weeks later on 27 November which are both traditionally lead up races to the Cup.

Bond added

The Issue is tricky as it may reoccur. We managed through last campaign while being able to race not quite sound.

He’s doing a heap of work at home such as galloping in the sand. Right now he could go to the races without a hopple on. He spends two days per week on a treadmill that fills with Epsom salts and iced water for his leg.

Bond’s top filly Skinny Dippin may be heading down the path to the Derby after her sterling win in the Oaks last Friday night however Bond is under no illusions as to the potential task she faces.

It’s a step up against the boys. I’m Stealthy has to be the number one seed along with D Mac. But she came through great after the race. I jogged her Tuesday morning. We might run her in the Western Gateway next Friday night where she’d have to meet the colts and geldings. There is also a fillies and mares race that we could consider.

But we also have Havetimeformiki being set for the Derby and who is a genuine chance.

In addition Bond has Proposition Joe who was badly interfered at Bunbury out of camera stage.

The other night he rattled home and nearly finished third. He’s not the best gaited horse and time has not been his friend. But I’m happy with what he’s been doing.

Bond explained that Manuka Bay who finished a game second behind Skinny Dippin was only bought out of a trial.

She’s continued to develop in her third campaign for us. She’s not that far behind Skinny Dippin who has that x factor. We’ll give consideration for her in the Derby as well.

Bond’s other promising three year old is Kotare Rimu.

We never bought him to run in the Derbies. We did the deal to purchase him to get into Australia. He worked for a while with Matty White in the South Island. So we had him nominated for the Victoria Derby. Andy Gath who stabled with us in the past with Catch A Wave has him and  worked him yesterday. So he’ll probably go around on Saturday night in his heat and then we’ll arrange transport after to get him here to Perth.

But the news that Minstrel who has won 32 races and just over $2.1 million in stake money will contest another West Australia Pacing Cup if all goes to plan is big news indeed. He hasn’t raced since finishing sixth in the Nullabor last April but the fact that he has won the last two editions of the West Australian Pacing Cup means that he will be one of the main drawcards for the coveted event as he attempts to make it three Cups in succession.

What makes Minstrel so special is his indefatigable determination to win especially when often he’s had to work extra hard in the run. There’s no doubt that the Bonds will have him cherry ripe should he be ready to step out on 11 December and conquer yet again.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink