Martin's ‘Classy' City Debutant

WOONGARRAH trainer Matt Martin has had a mixed few weeks.

While over the moon with the terrific run of form by new kennel acquisition Classy Platter, Martin, wife Tracey and kids Kooper, Chayse and Shelby, sadly had to say goodbye recently to their warhorse galloper Zipping Bronco after coming to grief in a fall at Gosford on May 21.

"It was devastating, he was part of the family," said Martin earlier this week.

"He was such a beautiful dog, really special to us. He was only about three months away from retirement and living the life of luxury here at home on the lounge. I think when you are such a small kennel you probably get even more attached."

In a strange twist of fate, the Gosford meeting on May 21 was also the first night exciting sprinter Classy Platter stepped out under Martin's care, the son of Kayda Shae backing up a strong second that evening with two terrific wins recently at Gosford and Ladbrokes Gardens.

In all, Classy Platter has raced on 16 occasions, boasting four wins and 11 placings, missing a cheque on just one occasion, which was on debut at Ladbrokes Gardens last October when never out of bother.

"He's the best dog I've had," quipped Martin. "And he's still learning and improving, he was very green early on and you could see that in his races. Each time he goes around though he's getting better and learning how to race."

Previously trained by Ben Sweetman, Martin told the Recorder that the opportunity to buy Classy Platter arose early last month, with Bob Sheedy and Steve Porter, purchasing the fawn chaser for Martin to train.

"Bob and Steve owned (Zipping) Bronco as well – they were shattered when we lost him also. They bought Classy Platter two weeks before Bronco's accident so it's some consolation how it's worked out," added Martin.

"It was a bit of luck that Bob and Steve came on board (as owners). I was down seeing my parents at Dapto earlier in the year and my Auntie introduced me to Bob. He was keen to buy a dog and it went from there, eventually buying ‘Bronco' from Shaun Parnis.

"They're terrific owners and are having heaps of fun with how well Classy Platter is going."

On Saturday night, Martin ventures to Wentworth Park for the first time with Classy Platter, the in-form galloper tackling race 10 of the night from box four.

"The plan was to trial him there on Tuesday night but the weather conditions were terrible so we had to give it a miss," explained Martin.

"I'm still learning about him but I expect him to go okay first look. I would have preferred for him to have seen the track obviously and the red Federal Impact does look very hard to beat, he's a very fast dog.

"He' still got a bit to learn but he's a beautifully natured dog and a pleasure to have in the kennels. Whatever he does on Saturday I'm sure he'll improve off."

Click here for Saturday night's Wentworth Park form