Jockey Allan Robinson, racing’s loveable larrikin with a penchant for the extraordinary, has vowed to keep his exuberance in check should Come In Spanner win Sunday’s $60,000 Advanced Inland Security Tamworth Cup (1400m).

The Newcastle based rider copped a $200 fine from stewards for flourishing his whip prior to the winning post when the Con Karakatsanis-trained gelding scored a brilliant win in the Singleton Cup at Muswellbrook on April 13.

“Con wasn’t at the track, I waved to him when we had it won,” Robbo recalled. “No more, it cost me two hundred bucks. I‘ve had enough of that.”

Robinson’s trials and tribulations with stewards throughout his colourful career have been well documented but misdemeanours aside, the wise cracking rider has champion qualities when it comes big race wins.

And come Sunday, Robinson is confident his mount can add to his glowing race resume.

Robinson has a perfect record on Come In Spanner, winning the Port Macquarie Cup on the six-year-old on March 7 and the Singleton Cup last start.

“Con rang me before the Port Macquarie Cup and said ‘Robbo this will be winning.’

“It didn‘t have much form before that race but we bolted in. It was the same last start. Con was really confident.

“The horse is impressive and Con‘s an impressive bloke. He can train let me tell you.

“Come In Spanner brained them at Muswellbrook. I know Con‘s happy with him and if he runs up to the Singleton Cup win, he’ll be hard, real hard to beat.”

Robinson previously won the Tamworth Cup aboard Kreisler’s Jewel for Brett Dodson in 2002 when the event was run over 2100m. Kreisler’s Jewel won the cup again in 2004 to become only the second horse since 1952 to win dual cups.

Scottish Soldier (1963, ‘67) was the other dual winner. However, no horse has won back to back cups.

Quirindi trainer Peter Mills is hopeful last year’s winner Gold Buckle (Greg Ryan) can rewrite the record books.

“He finished off the Prelude nicely,” Mills said. “I was a bit concerned how he pulled up but he’s come on well this week.

“I think he’s a good chance. Come In Spanner is the threat.”

Gold Buckle resumed with a closing fourth to Edgy Affair in the 1200m Prelude on April 14, in a race contested by many cup runners including Prelude runner-up and 2005 cup winner, Sir Winalot.

Rain in the Tamworth area has delighted trainer Luke Griffith, who will saddle up With A Chance (Leanne Henry).

“He’s tended to jar up on hard tracks and the sting out of the ground will really help him,” Griffith said.

Robinson has bright prospects in the other feature, the $25,000 Cork Construction & Consultancy Sky Channel Gold Mornington Hcp (2100m) aboard Fair Trial for Paul Goodwin.

Topweight Derivative Receipt, the 2007 Coffs Harbour Cup winner, will have a let up following the race then be prepared for the Grafton Cup in July.

By Tony White