Trainer Brian Gentle is unfazed by the decision to shorten Coincide’s race distance from 1100 metres to 800 metres, aiming for consecutive victories.
The gelding, previously under the care of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, boasts four wins and eight placings from 37 starts. It was only after transitioning to Gentle’s stable that the horse began to find the winner’s circle.
A recent 1100m victory at Ipswich could prove beneficial for Coincide in the Vale Barry ‘Keith’ Self Benchmark 58 Handicap, provided the gelding receives a clear run.
“Back in distance? I don’t think it is too much of a drama,” Gentle commented.
“He has performed well over 800-metres before and he has shown a liking for Ipswich.”
The six-year-old has a strong record at Ipswich, with one win and three minor placings in seven appearances at the track.
“With his record, he has had couple of unlucky runs but he is a rejuvenated horse,” Gentle added.
“He is the sort of horse who puts in 120% into his race day and also puts 120% into his gallops so at some stages he has been leaving everything on the track.
“At his last four starts he was missing the start on jumping and getting four or five lengths behind the second-last horse. Then he was making up a ton of ground late.
“I don’t know if there’s a trick but since he jumped well when he won at Dalby, he hasn’t looked back.”
Apprentice Jasper Franklin will partner Coincide for the fourth consecutive race.
“Jasper was unlucky on him a few runs back and so I was happy to give him another chance,” Gentle stated.
“He wasn’t really happy (with the outcome) then and he said ‘if you keep me on your horses I’ll win for you’.”
Gentle attributes Coincide’s $9.50 odds to market uncertainty regarding the reduced sprint distance.
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