Fat Max chasing home win

Punters set to get behind Toowoomba gelding in his return to home soil.

Apprentice Madeleine Wishart will partner Let’s Boom when she chases a breakthrough win at Clifford Park today. Picture: Nev Madsen

RACING : Supporters will be hoping a home-track return for Toowoomba gelding Fat Max is a successful move when he looks to return to the Clifford Park winner’s list tonight.

Fat Max lines up for trainer Kevin Kemp in the Wholesale Horsewear House Class 3 Handicap (1300m) on today’s eight-race twilight card.

Fat Max has finished close up in two outings at the Sunshine Coast since scoring an impressive Class 2 Handicap (1300m) win at Clifford Park on December 7.

Kemp entered Fat Max for both today’s Clifford Park meeting and Monday’s Sunshine Coast card but will keep the four-year-old at home.

“I’ve been happy enough with his two runs after his win last month and he likes the track here,” Kemp said yesterday.

“He’s ticking over okay, and this looks a suitable race for him.”

Kemp also saddles Star Centre in the Furney’s QTIS Three-Year-Old Class 2 Handicap (1100m) and consistent maiden mare Let’s Boom in the Vale Roger Taylor Maiden Handicap (1200m).

Today’s Roger Taylor Maiden is run in honour of the former Toowoomba Turf Club supporter and husband of TRC deputy mayor Carol Taylor after he tragically died last week as the result of a snake bite.

Kemp said a wide barrier draw added to the task of Let’s Boom today as she looked to break through after notching four successive placings this preparation.

“She’s racing well but is drawn a bit tricky in gate 12 which will make her job that little bit harder,” Kemp said.

“But we’ll claim on her with Madeleine Wishart who has ridden her before, and Maddy will ride her well again tomorrow.

“Star Centre resumes this week.

“He’s struck a good Class 2 field first-up but I think he has the makings of a nice horse.

“Time will tell now, but I’m keen to see how he handles himself first-up tomorrow.”

Star Centre hasn’t raced since finishing unplaced in an Eagle Farm Three-Year-Old Handicap (1600m) behind Guntantes in September.

# STAR Toowoomba six-year-old Niccanova tomorrow chases his third 2019-20 summer feature success for trainer Steve Tregea when he looks to add the Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m) to his Listed Brisbane and Bernborough Handicap victories.