Goldman’s Wagga Town Plate defence holds added importance

Kurt Goldman enjoyed one of his most memorable moments on a racecourse when he won last year’s Wagga Town Plate but a victory in 2021 would hold added significance for the country trainer.

Goldman, who won the 2020 edition with Irish Songs, wants to win the race again on Thursday for his late mentor Noel Doyle, the iconic Queensland trainer that sadly passed away over the weekend.

“It would be nice to win it again and I would love to win it for Noel,” Goldman said.

“He passed away over the weekend and was someone that really mentored me as a young bloke.

“He trained a horse I owned for a while too so it would be really special to win it for him.”

Goldman is set to saddle up two runners in the Town Plate with defending champion Irish Songs joined by Intuition.

Goldman had declared the Town Plate was the ‘only race I’ve ever wanted to win’ when Irish Songs captured the country feature 12 months ago.

Trainer Kurt Goldman. Photo: AAP Image/Simon BullardSource:AAP

He feels there is a sense of timing about Irish Songs heading into the $200,000 event.

“I think he is going equally as good if not better than last year,” Goldman said.

“Obviously it is going to be a different race without COVID and the extra prizemoney there but I think he is going good.

“He had a good preparation last time and managed to keep improving throughout last preparation.

“I think off his trial the other day he definitely matured mentally and we are getting to see that ability we always knew he had.”

Stablemate Intuition heads into the Town Plate first-up from a break and has had one trial in the lead up to the sprint feature.

“He looks to be going well but he is a bit tricky to get a guide on him because he doesn't do a lot in his trackwork or trials,” Goldman said.

“I think he has come along since his trial when he was a bit half-hearted but he had no gear on.

“He will head to the races with blinkers and a tongue tie.

“I’ve only had him first-up once before but he ran really well that day and I am banking on his ability first-up.”

Irish Songs opened as a $13 chance in the Wagga Town Plate while Intuition is a $26 outsider.

Ruthless Agent has also been nominated for the race but Goldman confirmed the sprinter will head to Kembla Grange on the same day instead.

Originally published asTrainer out to honour late mentor in Town Plate

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