Popular grey sprinter Sircolo kicks off a new campaign at Grafton today that will hopefully culminate in a second crack at the Listed $125,000 Ramornie Hcp during the Clarence River Jockey Club’s July Racing Carnival.

The John Shelton-trained gelding tackles a small field in the $10,000 XXXX Gold Open Hcp (1100m). Shelton’s star apprentice Ben Looker, currently riding under a stay of proceedings, has been booked for Sircolo.

“He’s come back sound and in real good order, I’m very happy with him,” Shelton said. “He hasn’t trialled but had a jump out about ten days ago.

“Certainly in the back of our minds is the Ramornie. We’ll see how he comes up.”

Sircolo finished 10th to The Jackal in last year’s Ramornie.

Shelton admits to having a real soft spot for the steely grey.

“He’s one of my all time favourite racehorses,” Shelton said. “He’s got a terrific temperament and wonderful nature. Everyone around the stable loves him.

“You could take him with you shopping or to the pub he’s that quiet.”

Sircolo hasn’t raced since his third to Inflated Ego over 1200m at Grafton on November 23 last year.

But the 12-time winner excels first-up, with three wins and two second’s when resuming.

“Yeah he always goes well fresh,” Shelton said. “It’s only a small field and there looks to be a bit of pace in the race which might play into our hands.
“He’s come back in good order and while he’s a good doer, he’s the sort of horse that doesn’t put on much weight from his first to last run. I’m pretty confident he will run well.”

Shelton will also saddle up Our Royal Star (Michael Hellyer).

The five-year-old mare has failed to fire in two starts at Murwillumbah and Grafton since resuming. “She’s drawn a decent barrier (one) finally. Tomorrow will answer a where she’s at,” Shelton suggested.

The Shelton stable has several other strong chances on the seven-race program including Our Gangstar (GDSC World Series Poker 18 April Hcp); Innocenttassie (Ken Casson Motors Hcp) and Totally Grateful (Wicks & Partners Hcp).

“Our Gangstar won good last start and once he hits his straps normally races consistently,” Shelton said. “He‘s trained on good. I‘m happy with him.

“He‘ll go forward from the wide barrier (14).

“Innocenttassie loos like he ran into a smart field last start at Doomben. He was fourth beaten half a length and the winner and runner-up both came out and won at Doomben on Saturday.

“He’ll be improved having the run over 1600 metres.”

Looker, leading the NSW country apprentice’ premiership, will partner Innocenttassie in the apprentice only race.

Shelton said Totally Grateful was racing well and deserved a change of luck after finishing runner-up at its past two starts.

By Tony White