Oshyer Optimistic About Winter Chase Chances

IT took 52 starts and a kennel change but Mac Roamin’ finally broke through in FFA company at Albion Park last week for new trainer Allan Oshyer.

IT took 52 starts and a kennel change but Albion Park 600 metre specialist Mac Roamin' finally broke through in free for all company at Albion Park last week for new trainer Allan Oshyer.

And Oshyer plans to give the soon to be four-year-old a shot at the winter distance races beginning with this week's Listed Winter Chase heats (600m) at Albion Park.

Mac Roamin' spent most of his career with Bob Adams where he enjoyed plenty of success but a dip in form saw Adams offer him up to good mate Allan Oshyer who was more than happy to take the reins.

"He was a good dog for Bob (Adams) but he had a lot of liver problems and niggles here and there," Oshyer said.

"He went unplaced at his last seven runs with Bob and he was through trying with him.

"We've been mates a long time and he just asked me at Capalaba one day if I'd like to have a go with him. I knew how good his best was, so I said sure."

Mac Roamin's career is best described as enigmatic, with Oshyer taking up the challenge to return the son of Barcia Bale to form.

"He's not the easiest dog to train he has his vices and needs to have it all his own way in races," Oshyer added.

"I just took it steady the first couple of months to get him fit and first up over six hundred he came out and won and then won again in Free For All company last week.

"I think the change of kennels has freshened him up, not that he was unhappy at Bob's but sometimes they just need something different."

"He's been enjoying life up my little straight at home, I take him to Capalaba to trial and I've tried a few little things with his diet to keep him healthy and it's all going well so far."

Four-years-old in October, this is likely Mac Roamin's last chance to figure in the winter feature races, something Oshyer was not going to miss out on with a record of five wins from 11 starts over the Albion Park middle-distance.

"In all likelihood he'll be retired by the time these races are on next year and I might be aiming a little bit high putting him in the Winter Chase, but on his day he's well and truly up to it," Oshyer said.

Oshyer hasn't ruled out a 710 metre campaign with Mac Roamin' following his Winter Chase tilt.

"I'll wait and see how he goes this week and fingers crossed in next week's final, but I don't see any reason why we shouldn't have a crack at some of the other black type winter races," he said.

"We know he really only gets going in the second half of his six hundred metre races, so if I think he's up to it I won't hesitate to give him a chance over the 710."

 

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