Chasing chance to step out of the shadow

UNDERRATED gelding Tims A Trooper is due to arrive at Club Menangle this evening in preparation for another feature race tilt.

Queensland trainer Grant Dixon sent the Australian Pacing Gold purchase south for Saturday night’s The Singo – a concept race by John Singleton, who will select a runner from the field to fill his slot in The Eureka at the world class venue on September 2.

Interestingly, Singleton won’t necessarily pick the winner of the $50,000 event as his representative.

Despite being a Group One winner, Tims A Trooper has occupied the shadow cast by his freakish stablemate, Leap To Fame, which is widely-regarded as the nation’s best pacer.

Also bought through APG, Leap To Fame will contest The Eureka via the slot controlled by his owners, Kevin and Kaye Seymour.

“I truly believe he is capable of winning The Eureka,” Dixon said. “He’s proven himself to be a nice horse, which can compete and beat the best of his age.

“With a bit of luck he will do what it takes on Saturday night to earn a spot in the big one a couple of weeks later.”

With Dixon remaining home due to commitments at Albion Park, Tims A Trooper will be driven by local reinsman, Robbie Morris.

Morris partnered the son of Tintin In America to glory in the New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge Final as a two-year-old.

Although drawn wide in barrier 10, Tims A Trooper is a $1.70 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds.

“He was always going to draw awkwardly by the time you take the three-year-olds and mares into consideration,” Dixon said. “He’s going down in winning form and will certainly prove hard to beat.”