“It costs nothing to dream and everything not to.”
It’s a quote from Rodney White and a philosophy shared by Joanna Offen.
The Esperance trainer is a dreamer and hopes to turn one of her dreams into a reality when I Am Spartacus contests the $400,000 Bluff Knoll (1099m) at Albany on Sunday.
Offen is under no illusion of the task which awaits the nine-year-old, a rank outsider against quality sprinters Rope Them In, Snowdome, and Almighty Class.
I Am Spartacus put himself into Bluff Knoll discussion two weeks ago after finishing strongly to win the Esperance Sprint (1200m) on his home track.
At Tabtouch odds of $81, few punters believe he can win again against such a strong field, but Offen doesn’t see him as a mere also-ran.
If inspiration is needed, Offen can look back to Wednesday when Queen’s Sacrifice stunned everyone with a 200 to 1 victory at Ascot.
Offen says anything can happen in racing.
“I’m very excited to be in it, it’s a pretty strong race, but he doesn’t know that,” Offen said to Racing WA.
“I’ll be very nervous, there’s a lot to think of, but the horse means an awful lot to me, he’s been a very good horse to me.
“In his early days when I got him, we didn’t even know if we would get one season out of him.
“He had a few soundness issues, but as he’s got older, he’s got better and better.
“I’ll be nervous in as much as he means so much to me.
“He’ll only ever do his best for us, and I believe he will go out and put his best foot forward.
“He’s a very special horse, and anything can happen.
“There will be a few parties if he gets close.”
I Am Spartacus has drawn barrier seven in the Bluff Knoll, with experienced jockey Lisa Staples retaining the ride after their Esperance Sprint triumph.
Offen believes a fast-paced Bluff Knoll will suit her veteran charge, a scenario likely with the likes of Devine Belief, Almighty Class, and Oxbridge in the race.
“If the race is run to suit him, anything can happen,” Offen said.
“If there is a good strong pace, I don’t know, he could be right there.
“He doesn’t know those horses are rated better than him.
“He thinks he’s the best, no matter where he goes.
“I’ve never known the horse not to try.
“Lisa knows him now; she’s had a few rides on him.
“He’s a little bit quirky, so I’m confident having Lisa on.”
I Am Spartacus began his career under Offen with a bang, winning first-up at Esperance four years ago before adding four more wins and 11 placings from 30 starts.
Win, lose, or draw, Offen says I Am Spartacus is likely to retire after the Bluff Knoll.
“I think we will call it after this,” Offen said.
“He owes us nothing, but it will be sad not taking him to the races again.
“He’s just a professional and a pleasure to have.
“He’s given us so much fun every time we’ve taken him to the races.”
The Bluff Knoll slot race was introduced last year and won by Perth sprinter Gemma’s Son.
The race distance of 1099m represents the height of Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the Great Southern’s Stirling Range National Park.
I Am Spartacus will run in the slot bought by Brian Fuller.