Cup test for new trainer

SHE’S only been training for six months but Coffs Harbour trainer Sally Taylor already has a starter in a big race.

The team of Sally Taylor and Rednav are looking for a surprise win in tomorrow’s Grafton Cup. Picture: Adam Hourigan

SHE'S only been training for six months but Coffs Harbour trainer Sally Taylor already has a starter in a big race.

The 23 year-old will be saddling up Rednav in tomorrow's McKimms Grafton Cup.

The Henrythenavigator gelding qualified for the listed 2,300m test by winning last week's Grafton Cup Prelude Quality.

Taylor was sure Rednav's best was capable of winning last week but had doubts whether or not the five year-old with Redoute's Choice breeding on the dam side could reproduce it.

"The start before the win we were disappointed and we thought there might've been something wrong with him," Taylor said.

"Basically the race was to see how he was going and if he didn't perform it was going to be straight to the paddock."

Now thoughts of a spell are on the backburner as Taylor and jockey Peter Graham prepare to take on some exalted racing company with $96,000 in prizemoney on offer to the winner.

"I think he (Rednav) will be competitive," she said.

"Compared to what he raced against last week it's going to be tougher. There's Chris Waller and all those big names with runners, it's a big jump.

"The wide barrier is a shame but you've got to be in it to win it."

Taylor has another starter today in the opening race of the Ramornie Handicap race card. She said she has big wraps on Final Reflection but knows ability is no guarantee of success.

"If everything goes right, I think he's a good chance," she said.