Chance for ‘small guy’ trainer to hit the big time

SATURDAY night will provide Charles Pollicina with the opportunity to emerge from being one of the “small guys who no one really hears about” to a headline act.

Although he has held a licence for more than four decades, Pollicina has made limited trips to the winners’ circle.

In fact, it wasn’t until this season a Pollicina-trained runner had registered more than a solitary win!

The only member of Pollicina’s stable, Unfazed has notched four victories this term, including his last two.

It’s the gelding’s most recent success which has given Pollicina the chance to step into the spotlight, with Unfazed engaged in the Group Two Carousel Final at Club Menangle.

“I’ve had a licence for 40 years and been training on and off ever since,” Pollicina said. “During that time I’ve mainly trained hand-me-downs which no one wanted, but I have had some luck with a couple of horses over the years.

“I have had some win up to eight races in a season, but for one reason of another, including health, I never trained them and just enjoyed the wins as an owner.

“I’m really looking forward to Saturday night as it’s nice for us small guys who no one really hears about to get a runner in a Group race.”

To be driven by Gavin Fitzpatrick, Unfazed has drawn awkwardly in barrier six over 2300 metres.

In what shapes as an open affair, TAB Fixed Odds have reacted by listing the five-year-old on the fifth line of betting at $8.

Winner of her heat a fortnight ago before a solid third in the Norms Daughter Stakes last weekend, Tay Tay heads the market at $3.80 despite drawing gate nine.

“I think he will be peaking on Saturday night as last week topped him off nicely,” Pollicina said. “I’ve been busting to get him into a 2300-metre race as he likes the extra ground…he won over 2600 in New Zealand.

“He is versatile, and although I am finding he likes to sit and come with one big run, he has won leading.

“Tay Tay is in strong form and is the one to beat despite her draw.”