Mare ready for big comeback

Novice trainer Mark Westthorp is confident grey mare Not Ever will overcome a recent form slump to break an 11-month winning drought ahead of this Sunday’s $30,000 Golden Bracelet at Percy Spencer Racecourse.

After three finishes well back in her latest campaign, the sevenyear- old daughter of Westthorp’s sire Verglas is set to start her fifth run from barrier two with loyal track worker Kerrie Pascoe aboard.

Youngs Siding-based Westthorp, who is in his first training season, said alleviating trouble caused by a drop nose band and a good barrier draw would serve his new project well.

“I was talking to jockey Shaun Meeres after the race last time she ran and he was saying she just resented wearing a drop nose band,” he said

“We’ve gone with the tongue bit and we galloped her (Tuesday) morning and she galloped well with that.”

Not Ever enjoyed considerable success in the 2009-10 season at Geraldton, where she recorded two wins and seven places from 12 starts.

Her 75 per cent cheque strike rate carried through to 2010-11 at the same track, where she and jockey Shaun Meeres combined on eight occasions for two victories and four places.

Westthorp conceded an unlucky run of nominations had forced him to unfairly stagger Not Ever’s starting distances, but believed 1500m plus was her strength.

“We started her on a 1200m then jumped her straight up to a 1600m with a top weight, which in hindsight was a bit harsh," he said.

“This one will suit her better but she is up against some very good horses.”

This year’s talented Golden Bracelet field includes the Mark Nelson-trained Lady Lavenham, who has won four of her last five starts in Albany as well as producing encouraging mid-field finishes at Ascot and Bunbury.

Among the favourites will surely be the Steve Wolfe-trained Jobeth, after winning over 1600m at Ascot on January 18, while the Kevin Allen-trained Winehorse goes into Sunday’s feature after a win in Albany last Wednesday.

Albany Racing Club secretary Maggie Hill hoped favourable weather and live entertainment including a three-piece jazz band headed by Alan Warburton would attract a big turnout of punters for a race card which doubles as Ladies Day.

“Ladies entry is free and they are welcome to dress in the colours of summer, there is no colour theme this year,” she said. Josh Nyman