Force Faces Cups Trial in Magnetic Mile

Big plans are afoot for in-form galloper Armour Force if he can rise to a distance and class test at Cluden Park.

Cairns trainer Stephen Massingham has his sights on the cups with the Fastnet Rock gelding but a lot will hinge on tomorrow’s feature, the Ladbrokes Magnetic Mile (1609m) which offers the winner automatic entry in the Townsville Cup on August 12.

The lightly raced four-year-old has won five of his eight starts for Massingham since transferring north from Sydney last year, but will be going over unknown territory in his first start beyond 1400m.

“I definitely think he’s a nice horse in the making. If he can stay tomorrow and win I’d like to have a go at the Townsville Cup,” Massingham said.

“That’s the first time he’s gone beyond 1200m the other day when he won over 1400m and I reckon that was his best win. Just riding him quiet and letting him finish off.

“He’s pretty versatile. He drew a wide gate last time and we just had to take our medicine and ride him quiet and I think that’s the way to ride him. It was his best win.”

Massingham has booked light weight jockey Jason Taylor to ride Armour Force on the limit with 54kg in a strong line-up of carnival contenders.

Armour Force convinced Massingham to look at longer distances after a powerful finishing win over subsequent winner Razment at Cluden at his last start over 1400m on June 27.

And the Cairns-based trainer, who is riding high after landing a career best result of four winners on the one day on his home track on July 11, thinks the timing is right with Armour Force.

“I gave him three runs last prep. We won in Townsville during the carnival and then the Cairns amateurs and we knew he was good,” Massingham said.

“This time in he’s been going really good, and we have a high opinion of him.

“He’s peaked at the right time and it’s worth a go. But even if he doesn’t win and make it into the Townsville Cup, Cairns is an option as long as he can run the trip.”

Massingham will saddle up six runners tomorrow and rates Armour Force and improving mare Lady Damus, who will run in the Ladbroke It!! 0-55 Hcp (1200m) his best chances.

“Lady Damus has been screaming out for 1200m. We had to dig up from  the gate over the 1000m at Cluden last start and she still finished off really well to finish fourth,” he said.

“She’s drawn well with Ryan (Wiggins) on and should get a good run in the race.”

Cluden will host a bumper nine-event card with the Mitavite QTIS 2YO Hcp kicking off the card at 11.52am.

Pictured: In-form Armour Force charges to victory at Cluden Park. The Cairns-trained galloper could be Cups bound if he passes a distance test in the Ladbrokes Magnetic Mile (1609m).

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.