Pounding ready to break through in Caloundra Cup
Despite a string of placings, the consistent stayer Pounding is a galloper who richly deserves a victory.
To that end, trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman are providing him with another chance to break through by entering him into Saturday's Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast.
The seven-year-old has recorded five second-place finishes in his last seven starts. While his reliability is unquestionable, it has become a source of considerable 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 most recent three outings have all resulted in second placings, starting with the Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) in May, followed by the Q22 (2200m), and the Tattersall's Cup (2400m) last weekend.
He again appears well-suited from a low barrier draw for the Caloundra Cup, however, Coleman is managing expectations, noting the stable felt similarly last week before Pounding was narrowly defeated by 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 will partner Pounding, who has had a quiet week leading into the feature event at the Sunshine Coast.
The gelding is seeking his first win since the 2024 Sale Cup (1600m) and is currently the second elect in early markets at $5.50, with the in-form Sydney stayer Thebudgiesmugla the $3.70 favourite.
Compare the racing odds for the Caloundra Cup at leading online bookmakers.
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