Consistent stayer Pounding, despite accumulating numerous second-place finishes, is a horse few would begrudge a victory.
In pursuit of this goal, trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman are granting him another opportunity by entering him into Saturday’s Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast.
The seven-year-old gelding has finished runner-up in five of his last seven starts. While his unwavering honesty is admirable, it’s also a source of significant frustration for his connections.
“Pounding is probably going to run second on Saturday, just like he has in almost every other race this preparation,” Coleman quipped.
His recent form includes three consecutive second placings, beginning with the Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) in May, followed by the Q22 (2200m), and culminating in the Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) last weekend.
He again appears to be favourably drawn from a low gate in the Caloundra Cup, but Coleman is exercising caution, recalling a similar sentiment last week when Pounding finished second to the Chris Waller-trained Asterix.
“We thought that about the race last Saturday, to be honest,” she said.
“But he’s on the seven day back-up, which we know he can handle. He is honest. He always goes out there and runs a race.
“He just needs the stars to align and everything to fall into place for him to win one. Hopefully Saturday is the day.”
Daniel Moor is booked for the ride on Pounding, who has had a relatively quiet week leading up to the feature race at the Sunshine Coast.
The horse is aiming to replicate his 2024 Sale Cup (1600m) triumph and is currently listed at $5.50 in early markets, second favourite behind the in-form Sydney stayer Thebudgiesmugla at $3.70.
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