Chilcott with race-to-race training double at Cambridge

By Jordyn Bublitz 

Local trainer Nicky Chilcott was quietly confident about her chances but still delighted to walk away with a double at Cambridge on Thursday night.

She went race-to-race with Pukunui Beach, who was a $1.30 favourite on debut in the TFS Horse Transport Mobile Pace and then Alwaysbesecret in the Garrards Horse and Goud Mobile Pace. 

“I actually get scared going into race nights thinking I’ve got chances because that’s normally when you get your bum kicked,” she laughed.

“But it was nice to think that I did have a couple of shots - getting one win is always good but to get two was a real bonus!”

Her spirits where high around Pukunui Beach but the deciding factor was always going to be his manners on the night.

“I thought he would win, if he got beat it probably would’ve been by himself because he’s just a bit mentally fragile, but he has definitely got a motor,” she said, “he’s been a bit of work in progress, so it was rewarding to have him go out there and perform like he did on debut.”

It was a tough run for the Downbytheseaside gelding. Driven by Zachary Butcher, he sat parked for the last lap but still had enough in the tank to outstay his rivals.

Stablemate Alwaysbesecret also faced the breeze for the final 1000m but ultimately was too brave for her competitors, scoring the win with Chilcott in the bike.

“I wasn’t going into it thinking she was a winner but then they were going that slow that I thought I’d pop out to parked, and to be honest I didn’t know if she’d be tough enough to do that.” Chilcott said.

“She’s pulled up from it really good but I probably won’t back her up again, she’ll wait a fortnight.”

It was her second win in nine starts. 

As for the future of Pukunui Beach?

“Look he’s on the market to sell, but until the right offer comes along, we will just keep chipping away.”