VICTORIAN trainer Jarrod McLean made a flying start to his Tasmanian campaign at Spreyton on Sunday, but the real purpose of his visit will be unveiled at Mowbray tomorrow night.
McLean will start one-time boom horse Nicastro in the $90,000 Tote Stakes and, all going well, the five-year-old will attempt a clean sweep of the summer carnival's major weight-for-age races.
Nicastro's travelling companion, Youbolt, has already covered expenses for the trip, scoring a runaway seven-length win in Sunday's $15,000 Benchmark 78 Handicap.
After being unbeaten in three starts as a two-year-old, Nicastro was labelled a rising star.
His reputation was enhanced early in his three-year-old season when he won at Caulfield, was placed in the $100,000 McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley and ran fifth to Demerit in the group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude.
But, although he's been placed in listed races as an older horse, he hasn't really lived up to expectations.
His only win since was on his home track at Warrnambool last June.
However, his more recent form, including a third to Under The Eiffel at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day, prompted McLean to look ahead to the Tasmanian carnival.
``He's probably reached his mark at home but he can still pay his way,'' the trainer said.
``He doesn't win out of turn but he's always competitive, especially on softer tracks.''
McLean expects Nicastro to run well over 1200 metres in the Tote Stakes but said the gelding's main target was the 1400m Thomas Lyons at Elwick on Sunday week.
``If he's going well enough, we'll probably stay for the George Adams as well,'' the trainer said.
The 1600m George Adams is at Mowbray on February 22.
Youbolt is also likely to have another run before going home, after surprising McLean with his dominant on-pace display at Spreyton.
``I feel a bit bad about that because I told everyone he was a backmarker,'' the trainer said.
``It certainly wasn't the plan to be up front but he jumped well and, with the three kilogram claim for Jackie (Beriman), he was able to give a good kick.
``We might have learnt something.''
McLean's sister-in-law Nikita McLean (nee Beriman) will ride Nicastro.
TOTE SWITCH
Tasmanian punters should be betting into Queensland TAB pools from April 1.
Agents have been told the switch from SuperTAB will take place as soon as the $103 million sale of Tote Tasmania to the Tatts Group is finalised at the end of March.
Tote chief executive Craig Coleman has briefed staff but said that, under the conditions of the sale, he was not allowed to comment publicly.
Similarly, the state government said it was not aware of how Tatts would operate the business and it was ``not appropriate'' for it to become involved outside of its role as regulator.
The biggest uncertainty surrounding the sale is the future of Tote's radio station.
It was listed as part of the deal, but no one is saying if, or how, it will continue to operate.
COSTLY CELL
High-priced yearling Storm Cell continued trainer Leon Wells's good run with ex-mainland horses when he made a winning Tasmanian debut at Spreyton on Sunday.
Storm Cell, previously raced by the high-profile Contract Racing Syndicate, is by Fastnet Rock and cost $200,000 at a Magic Millions sale.
After only one minor placing in his first seven starts, he cost new owner John Damon a lot less and Wells is optimistic that, the second time around, he will prove a good buy.
``He had a week off after his last start in Victoria and he's only been here three weeks so he's going to improve,'' the trainer said.
``He's a lovely horse, as you'd expect given his yearling price, and, although he's won over 1150m, I think 1600m will be more his go.''
FIRST WINNER
Prominent harness racing owner Mick Maxfield won his first race as a trainer with Driller Mac in Hobart on Sunday night.
Maxfield has employed numerous trainers at his East Devonport stables, the most recent being Rod Plunkett.
He is now doing the job himself and has 14 horses in work.
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