Eagle Farm-based horseman Brian Smith may give their promising sprinter-miler Meet George the chance to face off against dual Stradbroke Handicap winner Black Piranha in the upcoming Ramornie Handicap in Grafton.
Black Piranha will be the drawcard contender for the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton
Rock Of Cashel five-year-old Meet George last Saturday was a gallant runner-up to record-breaking winner Woorim in the Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at Caloundra.
The second place finish, Meet George beaten one and a quarter lengths, was a promising return to form for the horse who had little luck throughout the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
“He’s had no luck right from the Gold Coast to here,” Smith said.
Hoping to find more luck next start, Smith is considering nominating Meet George for the $130,000 Listed WHK Ramornie Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday July 13, which would be the galloper’s interstate debut.
“He might be worth running in the Ramornie now,” Smith said.
Last year Meet George enjoyed a career-best prep winning five races on the trot from June until the end of August.
Spelled for seven months, Meet George was bought back in April of this year but bad luck has marred their winter campaign.
First-up Meet George ran sixth to Border Rebel in the Listed Hinkler Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm finishing fourth lengths away from the winner after being blocked for a run.
It was much of the same next start when on May 7 Meet George lined up in the Listed Prime Minister’s Cup (1300m) at their home track on the Gold Coast.
After blundering the start, the horse put in an incredible effort to make up plenty of ground but failed to get a clear run, eventually finishing two lights back seventh to Tampiko.
Three more unplaced runs were to follow before their Glasshouse Handicap placing.
Fourth to Woorim in the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben, Meet George then ran sixth to Varenna Miss in the Group 2 QTC Cup (1300m) and then a disappointing 11th to Frozone in the Listed Tatt’s Mile (1600m) on June 25 at Eagle Farm.
The Ramornie Handicap, that’s drawcard contender will be Black Piranha, is one of the two major features of the July Carnival at Grafton along with the Grafton Cup to run on Thursday July 14.
