Munce waits on Capricornia race decision

Trainer Chris Munce is on tenterhooks as he looks to finalise a trip to a big money race in Rockhampton with his promising Eagle Farm winner Papaya.

Munce’s apprentice Justin Huxtable had an armchair ride as Papaya ($1.65) cruised to a 4-1/2 length win in the Eva Air Two-Year-Old Plate (1300m) on Wednesday.

Papaya is eligible for the $125,000 Capricornia Classic in Rockhampton on April 4.

The race is linked to the Capricornia Yearling Sales which have been postponed due to problems with the coronavirus outbreak.

Munce said Papaya would definitely head to Rockhampton if biosecurity protocols allow.

“I will just have to wait to see if we can travel up there or even if the race is to be moved,” he said.

“If we go she will be hard to beat. If we have to stay I will look for a 1400m race for her.”

Classy mare Shalwa made a mockery of a big betting drift to win the Gallopers Sports Club Handicap (1400m).

As a stakes race place getter Shalwa looked hard to beat in a field of three but when the track chopped up in the first few races she went from $1.30 to start $2.

It made no difference as Shalwa led all the way to score by four lengths.

“We took the blinkers off her and she settled really well. She might even get further than 1400m,” trainer Tony Gollan said.

Trainer Desleigh Forster again showed her ability to reform troublesome horses when Music Award ($6) won a maiden.

“Until a month ago he was a handful but he has turned the corner,” Forster said.

“We put ear muffs and a butterfly bit on him and it seems to have done the trick.

“I have a bit of opinion of him and he might turn out better than OK.”