SA Staying Star Primed For Clem Jones Cup

SOUTH Australia's staying star Sir Truculent arrived in Queensland on Tuesday primed ready to bounce back to his best in Thursday night's Clem Jones Cup (710m) at Albion Park.

The Worm Burner-Establish dog's breeder, owner and trainer Wally Harkins has sent the winner of 34 races to Queensland's premier trainer Tony Brett for the upcoming series of distance features.

Sir Truculent started favourite and was never a chance when last of five at Angle Park on January 7 behind Good Juan.

FIELDS AND FORM ALBION PARK THURSDAY NIGHT

“He pulled up with a sprained wrist,” said Wally.

“When I got him home that night it had heat in the wrist and swelling but by the following Monday it was fine again.

“But I took him to a vet for x-rays just to be certain. It was all clear.”

Sir Truculent was a narrow and gallant second to Manila Knight in the Group 1 Bold Trease at Sandown late in November and Wally admits it is the very first time he has ever cheered home one of his dogs.

Of Thursday night's assignment, he says the visitor's box of five should not be a worry for his grand stayer.

“It's a funny thing that when he goes to a different track to Angle Park he seems to jump well,” said Wally. “I'm hoping he does that this week.”

Sir Truculent takes on a tough field on Thursday night.

“It's great that his litter sister, Aristocratic Gal, is drawn alongside him in the Cup field,” said Wally proudly boasting the success of the litter he bred.

“But, I have a lot of respect for the bitch drawn in the red (Sunset Bourbski).

“It's not an easy race.”

Wally Harkins sold Sir Truculent as a pup for $2000 but then bought him back during the early stages of his race career when the then owner was keen to sell.

“I paid the $2000 for him and since then he has won more than $100,000 for me,” said Wally.

“And, every time he wins, the former owner congratulates me.

“It is a very fine gesture from him.”

Establish, dam of Sir Truculent, is about to whelp a litter of pups by promising young stud dog Mepunga Blazer.