Mr Marbellouz to tackle open company

The Kevin Kemp-trained Mr Marbellouz is one of 15 entries for the open sprint at Doomben.

Toowoomba speedster Mr Marbellouz is set to return to open company after being scratched from a Class Six Plate at Doomben.

Mr Marbellouz returned to racing against a classy field of short course horses in the Open Handicap (1000m) at the Sunshine Coast two weeks ago.

He finished fourth behind speed horse Spurcraft after being ridden off the pace.

Mr Marbellouz, who was given a long spell after an injury in May, has won six races and been minor placed twice from 10 starts but was still eligible for the Class Six Plate (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Kemp decided to scratch him after he drew the outside barrier.

“We waited until Saturday morning because you would look a goose if it rained more and there were a stack of scratchings,” Kemp said.

“He is unbeaten on soft tracks but conditions weren’t ideal so we scratched him.”

Kemp said Mr Marbellouz would now tackle the Open Handicap (1110m) at Doomben on Saturday.

“He probably wants 1200 metres but he will get in with a light weight and he should be suited,” he said.

The gelding is one of 15 entries which include speedy mare Tumbler.

The Barry Lockwood-trained mare has had a career dogged by bad luck and injury but her trainer has always maintained she can win in top company.

Lockwood plans to take Tumbler to Sydney for mares’ races including the Group Three Wenona Girl Quality at Randwick on March 9.

His apprentice Corey Bayliss has been riding Tumbler at her latest starts but Lockwood will look for a senior rider in Sydney.

Tumbler is one of three entries in the sprint rated on 95, the other two being Cannyescent and Snoopy.

The mare finished second in the Sunshine Coast race won by Spurcraft who is also among the nominations.