TAB Melbourne Cup winning trainer David Geall is optimistic of Bounce Back’s chances in his heat of tonight’s McKenna Memorial series.
Bounce Back is a class act. He’s won or placed in his last 14 starts and is rated a $4 by TAB to win his heat.
“He’s very reliable and a good honest dog, he’s probably about two lengths off the Christo Bale and Zipping Rambo types,” Geall told Gareth Hall on RSN Central’s Form Express this morning.
There’s no shortage of dangers as other experienced ‘600’ metre types will also have their say, led by race favourite Jarick Bale.
“He (Bounce Back) can win. I think it depends on Jarick Bale, he did stumble last start which isn’t like him but if he gets on the lure he’ll be hard to beat, then again if Aston Cade gets on the lure he probably won’t get run down either.
“If ‘Bouncer’ can get to the front he’d be very hard to run down. We’ll know after the first 50 metres.”
Bounce Back has been one part of an already successful 2021 for Geall. He’s also enjoyed the ride of Koblenz who last Sunday at Sandown Park won his 10th race in-a-row.
RSN Central host Gareth Hall asked Geall if we should be getting involved in TAB’s Melbourne Cup market – Koblenz was $34 into $15 overnight Sunday.
“The family has had a little bit on him, but we’re not really punters.
“He’s been very sound but I know it’s a long way off. We’ll give it a go for sure, he’s a very exciting dog. I just love going to the races with him.
“As breeders we try to manufacture a plan and get it right. We went to the greatest ever in Fernando Bale and mated him to Up Hill Jill – if we got one or two that could break five seconds (to the first split) in Melbourne we’d be happy – this guy can do that.”
McKenna Memorial heats headline racing at Sandown Park tonight with the first of them kicking off at 7.40pm. With three heats the top two from each and the two fastest thirds will advance to next week’s Group 2 final.
Tonight is also the first Thursday of our Buffet Winter Special – purchase a meal in July and get one free in August!
Click here for tonight’s fields
Click here for McKenna all-in market
Click here for TAB Melbourne Cup all-in market
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