Missile Ready to Launch in Cluden Class Test

A wet track and sharp rise in class holds no fears for Home Hill trainer Darby Amos with promising stayer Release Le Missile at Cluden Park on Thursday.

Amos, who turns 38 on the day, is confident the in-form five-year-old is ready to launch in the Ladbrokes Blackbook Open Hcp (1609m) with his regular rider Ashley Butler, and continue to climb through the classes.

Release Le Missile won three straight before finishing a game third at his most recent run in Mackay “underdone” because of the impact of the floods.

Amos said the gelding was in prime condition for this week’s assignment.

“He’s eligible for easier races, but what do you do. The meetings are either washed out or the suitable mile races get dropped because of low numbers,” Amos said.

“He’s in the deep end I suppose, but he’s definitely up to the grade. He’s no slouch, he knows what to do,” Amos said.

“He needed the run in Mackay, we knew that. 

“I relocated 14 horses to the Towers for two weeks when the flood waters were on and they missed a fair bit of work and he just ran out condition in Mackay.

“We had up to 200mm of water through the stables here so we got them out otherwise it would have been a lot worse for us.

“We go them back here and straight back into it.

“The wet has caused everyone headaches.

“Everything here is waterlogged but he’ll be rock solid going into this. I was able to give him a gallop on Sunday in the wet and he relished it. 

“I’m really happy with him. He needed it to top him off and he’s here all dappled up and ready to rock and roll.”

Release Le Missile joined Amos’ stables with one win from seven starts but has since posted three wins and three placings for his new stable.

With wins ranging up to 1800m Amos is keen to test the Smart Missile gelding over country cup distances.

“We really don’t know how far he can go at this stage. We’ll just keep raising the bar and see what happens,” Amos said.

“He hasn’t got a brilliant turn of foot but he has something to give at the end of his races.

“Ash likes him and is keen to stick with him wherever he goes and he’s in great form.”

Amos, who trains a stable of 15 horses with his wife Merel at the Home Hill race course, will have three other runners on Thursday including last start winners bargain buy Mishani Maverick and Kings Castle.

A win with Mishani Maverick in the Ladbrokes C3 Plate (1000m) on Thursday would prove a special touch for the young trainer.

“Maverick cost $1100 - he just shows up and does his job,” Amos said.

“One win and five placings in nine starts, he’s been a good buy. I bought him this time last year on my birthday. 

“I turn 38 on Thursday so I’ll be there with bells on.”

Amos said Kings Castle would be competitive in the Ladbroke It! BM60 Hcp (160-9m).

He has set the lightly raced Kings Castle’s for the Burdekin Cup in May.

The Cluden track was rated a Soft 7 for Thursday’s bumper nine-event card which kicks off at 12.35pm.