Trainer Makes Mad Dash From Cairns To See Star

LUCKLESS Darwin Cup runner-up I'm Explosive returns to Albion Park racing on Thursday with trainer Robert Ayres stuck for most of the day in Cairns.

“The bitch got a direct flight from Darwin to Brisbane, but I've had four flight changes to get home,” Ayres said.

“I'm in Cairns now and won't get back to Brisbane until about five tonight.”

I'm Explosive rattled home late to go under by three-quarters of a length in the Group 3 Darwin Cup on Sunday, failing to run down local charge Mighty Marshall.

“She had no luck in the final,” Ayres said. “She had to ease her momentum a couple of times and then took the option to go around another runner. It all cost her.

“But good luck to the winner.”

Ayres sent I'm Explosive to Darwin and then made a rush trip to handle her for the final.

“I had to undergo three different flight changes on the way to Darwin, and now four different changes to get home,” he said.

“The problem was not knowing what these states and territories would do with their borders.  And, Qantas offered me a flight for $1250 one way. That was never going to happen.”

FIELDS AND FORM ALBION PARK THURSDAY NIGHT

Ayres sent I'm Explosive to his mate Matt Hamilton to care for her while he was rushing back to Brisbane.

“Matt had her checked out by Noel Foster when she got home and he found her a bit tight in a near hind but that's been fixed and she's ready for tonight,” he said.

“She always gives 100 per cent in her races.

“But good boxes win big races and that's been her problem in the Darwin Cup and before that in the Young Guns final at Ipswich.”

Ayres said the Group 3 Townsville Cup would be an option for the bitch early in September but the Ipswich Futurity is also coming up for the bitch.

I'm Explosive has drawn box eight for tonight's fifth grade 520m assignment and comes up against some in-form gallopers.

“I'm expecting to get to Brisbane at about 5pm and I have my car parked nearby so I can get to Albion Park quickly,” Ayres said.

“Hopefully it's all worth it!”