Chasing consolation of sorts

SUCCESSFUL horseman Tyson Linke hopes to gain some consolation at Globe Derby on tomorrow night.

Although he was triumphant as an owner in a Southern Cross Final a fortnight ago, Linke fell short of his ultimate goal of winning the feature as a trainer.

Linke bred and owns star filly Encipher, which captured the Group Two for Victorian horsewoman Emma Stewart.

He is also the trainer of Coco Mia, which finished fourth.

“I’ve run about four placings in a Southern Cross Final but hadn’t been able to win one,” Linke said. “And it’s usually to one trained by Emma!

“This time it was Emma again bringing over the favourite, but the difference is I own it.

“I’m pretty happy to have won, but it would have been good if she ran second to the one I train though.”

Having “come through the series in great condition”, Coco Mia will aim to end her season on a winning note in the Ladyship Stake.

To be driven by Wayne Hill, the daughter of Sweet Lou will begin from barrier three, with her main danger – Big Black Betty – to come from the pole.

“I couldn’t be happier with her,” Linke said. “This will be her last start for the season and hopefully she can go out on a winning note.

“Big Black Betty is a nice filly and likely leader from the pole, so we’re probably going to have to do it the hard way from the breeze.”