A bombed start put paid to Territory Express’ The Gong claims last year but trainer Paul Niceforo is confident the million dollar earner can redeem himself this weekend.
Trainer Paul Niceforo has been waiting 12 long months for The Gong redemption and will get the chance when Territory Express lines up in the mile feature at Kembla Grange on Saturday.
Niceforo, who trains a small team out of Warwick Farm, headed into last year’s Group 3 The Gong confident that his number one horse Territory Express was at the top of his game for the $1 million event.
But those hopes were dashed as soon as the gates opened when the horse Niceforo says “lives in his own head” missed it by six lengths, giving up any chance of victory in the process.
“That day took a long while to get over,” Niceforo said.
“He really does live inside his own head and is far too clever for himself.
“When he gets to race day he overthinks things and can bring himself undone at the start.
“But he’s won four races and nearly $1.2 million in prize money so he’s not going too bad.”
In the aftermath of last year’s The Gong “horror show”, Niceforo made the call to turn the six-year-old out for a good spell in a bid to iron out his quirks.
That included a stint in Victoria with renowned educator Julien Welsh, which Niceforo said had paid dividends.
“The trip away did him a lot of good and taught us a lot about what was happening with him as well,” Niceforo said.
“He can be a sook of a horse. He wouldn’t survive a day in a big stable and he takes up a lot of our time and I’m hoping we’ve got him in the right frame of mind now.
“When your best horse is your most complicated horse it can become very demanding. But we’ve got a good team around us and I’m hoping we’ve turned the corner with him.”
Territory Express showed he was right on track for a second The Gong tilt with an eye-catching third in the Ladies Day Cup (1500m) on November 8 at Hawkesbury.
“The run was terrific,” Niceforo said.
“He was down on the worst part of the track and was only beaten half a length.
“Importantly he came out good and I’ve been happy with his two trials as well given the circumstances so I’m confident we’ve got him in a good spot for Saturday.”
In a reward for his recent efforts, Jean Van Overmeire will retain the ride in The Gong.
“Jean deserves the chance on him – he’s been great,” Niceforo said.
“He’s been doing his work and jumpouts and the two seem to have clicked so let’s hope that’s the case on Saturday.
“If he does everything right I’ve got no doubt he can be in the finish.
“Let’s just hope I leave with a different feeling to last year.”
Territory Express is currently $15 in The Gong betting with defending champion Gringotts, a last start winner of the Big Dance, atop of the market at $2.30.
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