Roc out to make Kropp Proud

PROUD Roc is one of two contenders for Matt Kropp as night racing makes a return to Clifford Park tonight.

HOME TRACK: Proud Roc (yellow silks) will line up at Clifford Park tonight. Picture: Glen McCullough

RACING: Matt Kropp is hoping his small but select team can make an impact as night racing returns to Clifford Park tonight.

Kropp is likely to bring just two runners to the meeting, starting with Proud Roc, who is getting closer to full fitness in the Hygain Class 2 Plate (1300m).

The gelding had his first run in almost seven months at the track when running seventh on June 16, and Kropp hopes this will be another step in the right direction.

“Proud Roc has been off the scene for a long time,” Kropp said.

“He got back and couldn’t make ground the other night.

“He has drawn another rubbish gate (barrier 14), but he will benefit from the run.”

Kropp said that he will benefit from more fitness under his belt, but believes the four-year-old isn’t without a hope.

“You would’ve nearly thought a couple more runs to season him up (are needed),” he said.

“It might come a little soon for him. He’s not without a hope, it’s just a bit tricky from the barrier.”

Tears Of Love is Kropp’s other runner engaged for the card, with the talented three-year-old contesting the Toowoomba Truck Spares Benchmark 60 Handicap (1880m).

The gelding was twice placed in Quality races last preparation, and Kropp hopes the step up in trip will bring him back to his best.

“He’s my best hope for the meeting,” he said.

“He’s drawn a nice gate. Gary (Geran) knows him well. He’s a big fella, but just has a bit of weight to carry.

“I think he’s ready for the trip fourth-up, and we want to make him a 2000m horse.

“This will tell us whether he is or not.”

Kropp also has Miss Beat entered to make her debut, but expects her to run at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

Tonight’s meeting marks the return of increased attendance on-course, with owners permitted to make their way to the track for the first time since COVID regulations were introduced in March.

“Owners in attendance must follow strict rules like only watching from the club’s designated viewing area (Clifford Park front lawn and James Taylor grandstand), to not attend any horse movement areas, avoid unnecessary contact with essential racing personnel and to follow social distancing measures,” Toowoomba Turf Club CEO Lizzy King said.

Owners are allowed in less than 20 minutes before their race, and must leave the course within 20 minutes of the conclusion.

The seven-race card commences at 5pm, with the last to jump at 8pm.

A two-page Clifford Park form guide appears in today’s edition of The Chronicle.

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