Warrior nearing end of the road

Marksfield looking to finish racing days on a high note.

Strapper Matt Gleeson with Marksfield at Birdsville in September. Picture: Salty Dingo

RACING : Toowoomba warhorse Marksfield will be out to wind down his game career in good style when he chases a farewell victory at Clifford Park tomorrow.

The nine-year-old lines up for what his likely his final race start for trainer Matt Kropp in the Queensland Electrical Solutions Benchmark 72 Handicap (1110m).

Marksfield’s 90 starts have produced 12 wins and 27 placings for almost $250,000 in prize money.

He is looking to break back into the winner’s circle tomorrow after successive Clifford Park placings but despite maintaining his zest for racing, Kropp said the time is nearing for the Chateau Istana gelding to put his feet up.

“He’s getting towards the end and Saturday just might be his final race,” Kropp said.

“He’s not what he was and is starting to show his age a bit.

“But he’s still a competitor who enjoys his work and what he does.

“He’s also getting harder to place now.

“We’d love to see him go out a winner and hopefully he can put in another honest run for everyone on Saturday.”

Kropp is also represented by several runners on tomorrow’s Eagle Farm card, including feature candidates Atouchmore and Tears Of Love, in what is a busy meeting for Toowoomba gallopers.

The Downs’ contingent includes fleet-footed sprinter Spurcraft and Niccanova who clash in the Listed Falvelon Quality.

Spurcraft resumed for trainer Charlotte White two weeks ago at Doomben with a slick Listed Bribie Handicap (1000m) win and steps in distance this week for his second career start over 1200 metres.

The Steve Tregea-trained Niccanova returns to this week’s shorter journey after his Listed Brisbane Handicap (1200m) win two week’s ago.

Kropp is eager to gauge the progress of Tears Of Love when he tackles the Group Three Grand Prix (2206m) after his latest third behind Smart Meteor in a Doomben Quality (2000m).

“His last run was pleasing when not a lot went right for him in the race,” Kropp said.

“This is his first prep and he’s done a super job.

“On the dam’s side of his pedigree you think he could get the trip.

“We’ll see how he handles it on Saturday and then he’ll probably head for a spell.”