Big Money to cash in for Northam, Thompson

Veteran Scone galloper Big Money returns to Doomben on Saturday nearing the form which saw him win two stakes races at the track.

Big Money was rated one of the most promising horses in Australia after winning the Group Three George Moore Stakes and Listed Lough Neagh Stakes at Doomben in December, 2014.

He had earlier in the year won two other stakes races – the Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm and the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.

In the three years since, Big Money has had a rollercoaster career running in Group One races such as the Stradbroke Handicap, Doomben 10000 and The Goodwood without being disgraced.

But he has won only one more race, the Group Three Southern Cross Stakes, at Randwick in February last year.

After Big Money struggled in Sydney during the winter trainer Rodney Northam gave him a good spell.

“Since he has been back he has had three trials winning them all at Muswellbrook, Newcastle and Scone,” Northam said.

Big Money confirmed the trial form with a first-up third in a three-way photo-finish at Randwick on November 7.

“It was a pleasing run and more like his old self and there wasn’t much in it at the finish,” Northam said.

“We don’t want much rain in Brisbane and I think on a dry track he is ready to race very well.”

Big Money holds a special place with Northam as the trainer has had a long association with the gelding’s family.

Big Money is out of the broodmare Lyn’s Money and was bred by part-owner Phil Gunter.

Northam trained Lyn’s Money who won nine races and her only three offspring have all been handy.

Her son Okane won eight races including a Grafton Guineas.

Robert Thompson, who has won six races on Big Money, will again have the ride on Saturday.

“Robert knows exactly how to ride him and it is good for him to make the trip up there,” Northam said.