Young Josh on a Cup Mission with Two Contenders

Rookie Mackay trainer Joshua Manzelmann has never had a runner in the $150,000 Ladbrokes Townsville Cup. Now he will have two.

Manzelmann’s tough stayer Fortified continued his resurgent form to claim Saturday’s Ladbrokes Winter Cup and seal a guaranteed run in Townsville’s biggest race on August 3.

Fortified, with Lacey Morrison in the saddle, came from last of the field of five to run down front runner Mooloolaba to win comfortably, despite rearing at the start.

The race was also delayed in sensational circumstances when veteran stayer Sayl broke through the barriers and was scratched after pulling up at the winning post in front of the Ladies Day crowd and refusing to go back to the start.

Manzelmann, who has 20 horses in work and is in his sixth year as a trainer, is enjoying a purple patch of form.

“When Lacey went airborne at the start I thought ‘holy hell I hope she stays on’ … but it worked out well,” Manzelmann said.

“I’ve never had a runner in any of the big races before. This year I have Fanaar in the Mackay Newmarket and I’ll try and get him into the Cleveland Bay, and I’ve got Fortified and Such A Whit both qualified for the Cup here.

“I’ve just started doing things a bit differently. I got Fortified back from Brisbane and he wasn’t really performing. I started taking him to the beach and he loves it and his form has just turned around with three wins in his last four starts. 

“He has run second in a Cairns Cup so he’s got plenty of ability but it’s just a question of getting him right.

“I was always going to nominate him for the Townsville Cup but it was just a case of whether he got in it with a rating of 72. This means he’s definitely in. “

Morrison said she was undecided on a Cup ride but was impressed with Fortified’s win.

Pictured: Fortified is Joshua Manzelmann's second runner booked for a start in the Ladbrokes Townsville Cup, after claiming victory in the Ladbrokes Winter Cup at Cluden Park last Saturday, granting ballot-exemption for the feature race held on 3 August.

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.