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Charles Cassar is excited about unveiling his quality Kiwi recruit Spring Tide on Wednesday, but he is approaching his excursion to Warrnambool with caution.
The seven-year-old son of Darci Brahma will make his Australian debut in the $200,000 Listed Wangoom Handicap.
Cassar has only had a few runners over the May Racing Carnival but keeps an eye on it every year and recognises what a challenge it is to win there.
“I know a lot of trainers set their horses for the Carnival down there, but I try and avoid it,” he said with a laugh.
“I haven’t had a lot of horses go there. It’s always hard against the local trainers down there.”
But Cassar is happy to tackle the 1200-metre event with Spring Tide, who brings Group 1 form from New Zealand.
The seven-year-old finished fourth in the Tarzino Trophy, beaten 2-1/4 lengths by Skew Wiff, at Hastings in September last year.
Spring Tide, who was trained by Chrissy Bambry and then John Bary in New Zealand, finished second in the previous two editions of the 1400m Tarzino Trophy.
He hasn’t won in 11 starts, dating back to September 2021, and Cassar quickly learned he is a horse who has his quirks.
“He’s run into some good horses in New Zealand but, to be fair, his form is a little bit hit or miss,” Cassar said.
“He’d get beaten a head in a Group 1 and then get beaten 12 lengths in an open handicap.
“But he’s settled in quite well. There’s no fault about his quality, or his ability to gallop, but he is not a straight-forward horse.”
Despite his impressive form, Spring Tide is one of the outsiders in Wednesday’s event and Cassar hopes it will be an uncomplicated ride for Neil Farley from barrier seven in the field of 16.
“I’m happy with that draw, hopefully from seven he can come out good, find a spot where he’s comfortable and present at the top of the straight,” Cassar said.
Despite his impressive credentials, Spring Tide is a $41 chance with betting apps in the Wangoom market, which is headed by last-start Flemington winner Midtown Boss ($5) from Lindsey Smith-trained pair Tuvalu ($7) and Yellow Sam ($8).
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