Territory Express chases another emotional victory for recovering trainer Paul Niceforo

Trainer Paul Niceforo was given a second chance at life and his underrated galloper Territory Express continues to give him something to fight for ahead of the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude.

There’s no doubt trainer Paul Niceforo has endured one of the toughest years of his life but his underrated galloper Territory Express continues to give him plenty to fight for.

It was 12 months ago this month that Niceforo’s life changed forever when he suffered a heart attack and two strokes that turned his world upside down.

But the Warwick Farm was given a second chance at life and he has continued to battle on through the hardship.

His star galloper Territory Express, who lines up in Saturday’s Listed $1m Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) at Royal Randwick, has ensured he’s has had plenty to live for.

The gelding scored the most emotional of victories in the autumn with a remarkable victory in the $1m Provincial-Midway Championships Final at Royal Randwick in April.

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Paul Niceforo's stable star Territory Express wins the $1mill Polytrack Provincial Championship Final 🔥@ZacLloydx weaves a passage late to secure the feature 🐴🔥🐴

Straight Acer @edancue and Shadows Of Love @kimwaugh6 fill the minors#TheStarChampionships#ExpectItAllpic.twitter.com/FnyqwMSB3c

— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) April 13, 2024

Niceforo remains on the improve but still can’t help but get emotional when he talks about his health battle or Territory Express.

He defers to his long-time partner Maryanne Cram as Territory Express prepares for his latest spring assignment.

“There are more good days than bad days at the moment,” Cram says.

“Before Territory Express’s last start, it was two days off the anniversary and like all human beings we think about our own mortality and what could have happened.

“Paul would rather not talk about it and tries to deal with it in his own way but it’s hard not to get emotional.

“He (Territory Express) gives him something to fight for this horse. It has been his life and they are our babies, we’ve always treated them like they are our kids so they are very special for us.”

Territory Express is one of the leading contenders in the Five Diamonds Prelude. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Territory Express put the writing on the wall with a slashing return in the Alan Brown Stakes at Rosehill Gardens a fortnight ago.

The son of Territories had to get back to last from a shocking draw before rattling home from last to finish sixth.

“He went unbelievable, we just can’t get clear running,” Cram said.

“He put in the fastest last 600m near on the whole card and to run that sort of time and still miss the top three, it’s crazy what this horse can do.

“We thought he would run well.

“We gave him six weeks off in the sun up in Queensland and then had a bit of pre-training up there before he came home and he just thrived up there.”

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Trainer Paul Niceforo is hoping to win the Give Diamonds with Territory Express. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Bookies rate Territory Express as a $5.50 chance in the Five Diamonds Prelude with apprentice Zac Lloyd back in the saddle.

Territory Express will need to overcome another shocking gate after drawing in barrier 13 for the Five Diamonds Prelude.

It will be the second of a run of three lucrative feature races attempts for the gelding with Niceforo keen to step him out in trip.

“Paul has always believe he is looking for more ground and this preparation is going to show what he can do,”

“He will run in the Prelude and the go to the Five Diamonds next.”

The Listed $2m Five Diamonds (1800m) will be staged at Rosehill Gardens on November 9.

Originally published as Territory Express chases another emotional victory for recovering trainer Paul Niceforo