Journeyman’s chance at Millions

NOW at his sixth trainer, Mishani El Lobo is looking for a career best at the Magic Millions meet for Troy Pascoe.

MIshani El Lobo gets his shot at the Gold Coast. Photo: AAP Image/Dan Peled.

RACING: Troy Pasoce is hoping a journeyman addition to his camp can finally feel at home.

The Toowoomba trainer saddles up Mishani El Lobo in tomorrow’s $1m QTIS Open Handicap (1300m) at the Magic Millions meeting on the Gold Coast.

The six-year-old has had his fair share of trainers over the course of his career, starting with Les Ross, and passing through another four trainers before making his way to Pascoe, with Mishani Enterprises looking to Toowoomba to help the talented but problematic gelding reach his potential.

That ability was on show during his first outing for his new trainer, when he scored at Clifford Park from a wide barrier and with 60kg on his back.

Pascoe said the horse is relishing his new surrounds as he prepares for his toughest test to date.

“The horse was offered to me on the proviso that we targeted these sorts of races,” he said.

“He won really well first-up and I didn’t think he was fully wound up then either. I thought he might’ve been a bit underdone.

“The horse came to us with a few little problems and we’re working through fixing all of those. He’s been enjoying everything that he’s doing and that first-up win showed that.

“It was a bit of a drop in grade to get his confidence back up, and that’s how you need them going into a big race like the Millions.”

“He’s in the best shape I can have him, so he’s got a fluker’s hope,” he said.

“He gets a good alley (barrier four) and Steph is riding well at the moment, so he’ll have every opportunity to put himself into the race, it’s just if he’s good enough.”

Pascoe has experienced the thrills of Magic Millions day previously with I’m Alone, who contested the 2018 Country Cup.

Sent out at bolter’s odds, the gelding got back to last and flashed home to run seventh,

“I took I’m Alone down a couple of years ago,” he said.

“He started big odds and drew a terrible barrier. However he flew home. He really peaked on the day and did a good job for us.

“To be a small trainer and be a part of one of Queensland’s biggest days is a huge thrill.”

Mishani El Lobo is currently rated a $71 chance with Ladbrokes.

The race will also feature fellow Toowoomba trainer Rex Lipp’s In His Stride and the Leo Roche-trained Colpo Di Tamburo (Warwick), who are $71 and $61 chances respectively.

Conquermore (Dale Groves) will line up in the $1m Fillies and Mares race over 1300m.

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