Boom 2YO All the Rage in Build Up to Classic

Champion trainer Roy Chillemi has built the careers of some of the North’s best two-year-olds but admits he might have met his match this year with record breaker Roweiner’s Dance.

Chillemi will saddle up the promising Turn Bird against Roweiner’s Dance in tomorrow’s Prelude (1200m) for the $100,000 2YO Classic at Cluden on June 10.

The master trainer has won multiple classics with the likes of Stradbroke winner Tyzone, Palencia and the unbeaten Missile Thunder, but concedes it will take something special to beat Roweiner’s Dance.

“I don’t think Turn Bird is up to Roweiner’s Dance, I don’t. He’s a bit special that horse, but never the less I’ll get my bloke as good as we can get him and have a go,” Chillemi said.

“Roweiner’s Dance has been very impressive up to 1000m and could be even more impressive over 1200m. 

“A lot of those speed horses are very fast over 1000m but I suppose the question is can they keep it up over 1200m.”

Chillemi has faith in Turn Bird developing over time and longer trips but thinks fitness will count against him tomorrow.

The winner of two of his six starts finished third 3 lengths behind Roweiner’s Dance at their only encounter two starts back in February and is coming off a two month break.

“We’ll see how he goes and then probably go straight into the classic. He’s a tough guy this bloke. I think he’s improved a little bit every time, and the further we go I think the better he’s going to get – up to seven furlongs.”

Roweiner’s Dance and highly regarded Rockhampton visitor Bush Diamond head the markets for the Prelude.

The two geldings fought out a thrilling finish at Cluden at their only clash in April over 1000m with Roweiner’s Dance prevailing by a half head.

Bush Diamond won at his next start in Mackay impressively, and Roweiner’s Dance went to another level at his subsequent run, breaking the 1000m Cluden Park track record on  May 5.

Roweiner’s Dance has paid the penalty for his six wins with topweight of 64kg, but will carry 61kg with Mackay apprentice Jade Doolan’s 3kg claim.

With the allowance, the Sidestep gelding will be 2kg better off against Bush Diamond this time around.

And even more daunting for his opposition, in the Classic on June 10 he will drop to 57kg under the set weights conditions.

Meanwhile, Chillemi is expecting 2021 Classic winner Palencia to run a bold race against in-form Cairns galloper Smart Image in the Gallagher Insurance Open Hcp (1300m).

Chillemi has engaged in-form apprentice Isabella Teh for her 2kg claim to give the four-year-old a weight edge with 56kg from barrier 2.

Smart fillies Don’t Tell Leeanne and Redavni will clash again in the North East Event Health Services 3yo Hcp (1300m) in another highlight on the nine-event card.

The duo will be up against Rockhampton filly Just Let It Out who beat Redavni at her only visit to Townsville back in March.

Pictured: The brilliant Roweiner's Dance beating Bush Diamond at Cluden. The two smart geldings are set for a return class in the 2YO Classic Prelude tomorrow.

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.