Michael Travers Racing

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Michael Travers has set his sights on Sunday&rsquo;s Cowra Cup (1700m), entering stable stalwart Mathrin and recent Albury winner Kahawaty in the $36,000 feature event.
Travers, who trains a big team out of Wagga Wagga, was a popular country-based jockey, winning 985 races before hanging up his boots in 2023.
Based in Cowra for eight years, Travers knows the track well and won many Country Cups in the area, although the Cowra Cup eluded him.
With views of adding a long-awaited Cowra Cup to his mantlepiece, Travers has landed the assistance of leading country jockey Nick Heywood and Cowra Cup king Mathew Cahill.
Cahill rides six-time winner Mathrin, who won the honours of 2023/24 Murrumbidgee Turf Club horse of the year.
Two starts back, Amy O&rsquo;Driscoll was in the saddle, and the seven-year-old caught the eye when running a strong second in the 1600m Benchmark 70 Handicap at Canberra when beaten by a half-head by the in-form Icebreaker (Louise Day, $1.95).
A wet track would suit the Deep Field mare, but regardless of the track presented on the day, which is shaping to be a good four, Mathrin ($12) should be in the mix in this event based on recent runs and after drawing gate 4.
Heywood jumps aboard the talented stablemate Kahawaty, who is set to jump from the outside alley (gate 7).
The $4.80 third favourite for the event was an impressive winner for Amy O&rsquo;Driscoll when contesting the 1000m Benchmark 66 Handicap at Albury in November. Two starts back, O&rsquo;Driscoll was again in the saddle when the six-year-old took on the 1200m Benchmark 82 Handicap at Wagga, and she raced well, finishing second to six-time winner Smart Poppy (Jake Duffy, $10).
When trained by Anthony Cummings, the Pride Of Dubai mare was a three-time winner at the provincials and has only ever won up to 1200m, so the 1700m journey at Cowra will be a question mark for connections.
Sunday&rsquo;s Cowra Cup is a small but competitive field, with the Pat Murphy-trained Victory Roll (Shaun Guymer, $2.80) the current favourite ahead of the Gratz Vella-trained Astunner (Damon Budler, $4.40).
It&rsquo;s set to be a busy few days for Michael Travers and the team, who may race at Tumut on Saturday, Cowra and Benalla on Sunday, and Albury on Monday.
Wild Feather (Brendan Ward) won at Tumut on Boxing Day, and the three-year-old will be going for back-to-back wins there when taking on the 1400m Class 1 Handicap.
At Benalla, exciting maiden galloper Jenni Divine (Josh Richards) is entered the 1106m Maiden Plate and drew gate 3.
Still, the stable is considering whether the three-year-old will run at Benalla or Wagga Wagga next week.
At Albury, a big team of eight runners will go around. Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Daily Advertiser

Travers sets two-pronged attack on Cowra Cup

Michael Travers

Michael Travers Racing will be shooting for success in Listed and Country Cup company this Friday and Saturday.
Heading south on Saturday, Travers journeys to Caulfield with up-and-coming star Pussyfoot, which takes on the $175,000 Listed Sportsbet Twilight Glow Stakes&nbsp;(1400m).
Rachel King has been booked to ride the talented 3YO, who broke through for her maiden win in fine style at Albury earlier this month.
It&rsquo;s a huge step up in class for the Shamus Award filly, but Travers is keen to test her mettle in black type company.
Another up-and-coming stable star, Dynamic One, will chase a big win on Friday when going around in the $65,000 Allbids Queanbeyan Cup (1600m).
A talented four-year-old, Dynamic One was impressive when prevailing in a 1500m Benchmark 66 Handicap at Albury earlier this month.
Quayde Krogh is in the saddle, with 55kg, and after drawing gate 2, the Wagga galloper will be one of the major players in this open Country Cup.
Another big chance for MTR at Queanbeyan is Gold Tracker, which takes on the Nick Olive Racing 1460m Benchmark 66 Handicap.
Louise Day picks up the ride on the 5YO, which won at this distance and grade at Queanbeyan in late October.
The handicapper has allocated Gold Tracker 59kg, and connections have drawn gate five.
While Travers sends Pussyfoot to Caulfield the following day, MTR has four starters on their home track for the Murrumbidgee Turf Club&rsquo;s Xmas Party Race Day.
Mathrin (Ella McGuirk, gate 13) is the top weight in the Viewco Xmas Party Cup Benchmark 50 Handicap.
Also racing at Wagga is Quindio (Amy O&rsquo;Driscoll, gate 9) in the Win Network Maiden Plate (1200m), Red Hill(Ella McGuirk, gate 7) in the Elders Wagga Wagga Class One/Maiden Plate (1800m), and Saint Loft (Quayde Krogh, gate 3) in the JRC Electrical Services Benchmark 50 Handicap (1675m). &nbsp;
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Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Michael Travers set for two-state feature race assault

<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a">
<div dir="auto">The Michael Travers Racing team is excited to announce that we have taken on Trevor Sutherland's former stables on Travers Street. </div>
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<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a">
<div dir="auto">With a proven winning environment and closer proximity to the MTC Racecourse, we also have access to a six-horse walker, big yards, and 18 more stables. </div>
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<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a">
<div dir="auto">We're hoping to capitalise on our recent good form with the possibility of training up to 40 horses across both locations. The acquisition of the Travers Street complex is a massive step forward for the MTR team, who have hit the ground running in 2024/25. Since turning his attention to training in 2021, Mick has trained 44 winners, and this season, he's already had gallopers greet the judge first at Gundagai, Lockhart, Wagga, Cootamundra and Queanbeyan.&nbsp; To get involved with the MTR team,<a href="https://www.michaeltraversracing.com.au/contact">Click here</a> &nbsp; </div>
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Travers Racing on Travers Street

Michael Travers Racing will be on the road bright and early tomorrow as we set our sights on Sydney and a two-pronged attack on the TAB Highway Handicap at Rosehill Gardens.
Contesting the 1400m Class Three Handicap will be stablemates Kahawaty and Gold Tracker.
Star apprentice Jett Stanley hops aboard Kahawaty, meaning the six-year-old gets in nicely with 57kg.
A three-time winner in provincial company, we acquired Kahawaty from the Anthony Cummings yard earlier this year, anticipating that she would be better suited to country-class racing.
Since then, a plan unfolded where we started the Pride Of Dubai mare three times to make her eligible for the country-only races.
Back in class and grade, as she is now eligible for Highways and drawn nicely with gate four, we&rsquo;re excited to see what our mare can do at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Also representing the stable is Gold Tracker, who ran out of his skin at Wagga last start when finishing second to the impressive Gundy Guy in a 1200m Class Three Handicap.
The five-year-old Xtravagant gelding has Quayde Krogh in the saddle and will only carry 54kg.
Again, drawn nicely with gate six, we&rsquo;re hoping Gold Tracker can run up to his last start and give this race a good shake.
While all attention will be on our trip to Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, the focus will quickly shift to Corowa on Monday, where we have four chances going around.
It&rsquo;s an exciting time at MTR, who celebrated a good win at Gundagai on Sunday with Dynamic One.
We have more horses than ever available and some unique ownership opportunities, so to get involved, click <a href="https://www.michaeltraversracing.com.au/horse-available">here</a>.

MTR sets two-pronged attack on Rosehill Highway

It wasn&rsquo;t exactly a smooth start to the preparation for Dynamic One but trainer Michael Travers feels he&rsquo;s winning the battle and has his chance to post an anniversary win at Gundagai on Sunday.
Travers, who retired from race riding last year, said the gelding&rsquo;s first few runs back were below par following an injury enforced layoff but placings at Gundagai and Albury, plus a favourable draw, tell him the Darby Wood Memorial (1400m) is within reach.
Dynamic One&rsquo;s last win was at the corresponding meeting a year ago.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s going really well. We had him in a Highway last week but scratched him because he was a little off colour during the week so I saw this race as a good back up option,&rsquo;&rsquo; Travers said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We haven&rsquo;t drawn the car park for once which is really nice. Nick (Souquet) rode him really well two runs back so hopefully we can get a result.
&ldquo;He does goes a little better on the wetter tracks but I think we&rsquo;ve got him back to where we want him to perform on top of the ground.&rdquo;
The four-year-old, who had his first two starts for Peter Moody, endured a wide run when second on a heavy 10 at Albury on August 20 and while the margin wasn&rsquo;t flattering the Wagga trainer went home thinking his turn is close.
&ldquo;Young Holly (Durnan) got caught three and four wide throughout, the winner got the run up on the fence with a 9kg pull in the weights,&rsquo;&rsquo; he said.
&ldquo;He did well enough, you obviously don&rsquo;t like being beaten six lengths but the run had merit and I was happy walking away with second place.&rdquo;
Travers also has Red Hill in the race and is taking a wait and see approach to the five-year-old who only joined his stable this week.
He&rsquo;s a winner of two from 28 and was beaten 18 lengths over a mile at Wagga two weeks ago.
&ldquo;He was only purchased during the week and I&rsquo;ve only been on his back a couple times so I couldn&rsquo;t give you a guide to him yet,&rsquo;&rsquo; Travers said.
The barrier gods haven&rsquo;t helped Master Artist&rsquo;s cause in the Garry Readford Memorial (1180m) but Travers says it&rsquo;s not all bad for the promising three-year-old.
He drew the outside barrier in what will ultimately be no more than a field of 12 and after a slashing second at his second race start the trainer said the barrier might actually be a plus.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not quite a straight run but there is a very long run for the first part of the race over 1180m so Shaun (Guymer) will have every opportunity to pick and choose where he wants to be,&rsquo;&rsquo; he said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He has a bit of a problem getting going in his races but the plan was if we drew a gate we&rsquo;d be handier. Drawing that wide opens up options for Shaun to press forward midrace if he wants to.&nbsp;
&ldquo;As much as it&rsquo;s a bad gate it might actually play in our favour.&rdquo;
Master Artist was $2.50 favourite when he hit the line strongly in a 1200m maiden at Wagga two weeks ago behind Ace Of Lace and the pair but a sizeable gap on the rest.
&ldquo;He found himself a long way back but Shaun let him balance up, and we ran into one that was going well at the time,&rsquo;&rsquo; he said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It stole a march on us but giving away that start just told. Once we get him up over a mile next preparation he&rsquo;ll be a better horse.&rdquo; Words: Ray Hickson - Racing NSW

Travers Hopes History Repeats For Dynamic One

Michael Travers and the team will be searching for their first win of the new season at Wagga today (Monday), with a big team of six gallopers representing the stable.
Last-start placegetter American Kestrel represents one of the team&rsquo;s best chances early on when contesting the 1400m Country Boosted Maiden Plate.
Shaun Guymer (57kg) hopes on, and from gate one, bookmakers are keeping the 4YO safe at $4.80.
Another maiden in Master Artist could be the stable&rsquo;s best chance on the wide-open program when taking on stablemate Cubecheck in the 1200m Maiden Handicap.
Master Artist (Shaun Guymer, gate 8) was impressive on debut, finishing fourth in a 1080m Maiden at Canberra, and the extra distance will help his chances on the home track.
Punters also like Master Artist&rsquo;s chances, with the 3YO firming in from $10 to $3.10.
Cubecheck (Quayde Krogh, gate 6) isn&rsquo;t without his chances at $14, with the former Victorian having his first start for Travers in the same event.
Gold Tracker (Shaun Guymer, gate 4) drops in grade, finding a winnable 1200m Class 3 Handicap.
Two starts back, he was unlucky not to win over the 12000m at Albury, and last time out, he wasn&rsquo;t disgraced in metropolitan company.
He will get every chance over six furlongs and on his home track, with bookmakers keeping the 5YO safe at $5.50 (in from $21).
Despite being a hefty price ($23), Mathrin (Holly Durnan, gate 9) gets conditions to suit in the 1400m Benchmark 66 Handicap.
This is a significant drop in class, and considering she won a 1400m Benchmark 82 Handicap four starts back in May, if she fires, she is right up to running a big race for connections.
Rounding out the team&rsquo;s chances at Wagga is Prized Open (Josh Richards, gate 7) in the 1000m Maiden Handicap.
The 4YO is still learning her craft, and she will be better for the run and her second career start.
For those interested in joining the MTR team and experiencing the thrill of racing, we have new ownership opportunities available, so <a href="https://www.michaeltraversracing.com.au/horse-available">click here</a> to find out more. Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Dean Mitchell

Chances galore at Wagga

Michael Travers and the team will trek to Canberra today, with three runners going around in the nation&rsquo;s capital.
Kicking off our team&rsquo;s chances will be American Kestrel (Shaun Guymer, gate 3) in the 1280m Maiden Plate.
The 4YO made her stable debut at Albury late last month, and she was solid first-up, finishing strongly to run fifth in the 900m Maiden Handicap on a heavy 10 track.
The extra ground at Canberra should suit, and bookmakers are keeping her safe at $11.
Master Artist (Shaun Guymer, gate 5) makes his debut in the 1080m Maiden Handicap. The 3YO trialled at Wagga last month and made ground late over 1000m.
First starters can be hard to gauge, but we look forward to his debut.
Stable stalwart Mathrin (Shaun Guymer, gate 5) finds a nice race in the 1280m TAB Federal Benchmark 78 Handicap.
The old girl has been working nicely, and her success will come down to whether she likes the all-weather track at Canberra.
At her best, she is definitely a chance in a race like this.
It's an exciting time for MTR, who have recently made purchases, which will&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michaeltraversracing.com.au/horse-available">Available shortly</a>. Words: Jeff Hanson

Canberra expedition ahead of MTR

Michael Travers Racing heads to Gundagai for the first meeting of the 2023/24 season, and we have four runners going around on the seven-race SDRA program.
As a happy hunting ground for Michael as a jockey and now trainer, the Wagga stable hopes to continue its success.
After a trial at Wagga late last month, Outta Spiet (Josh Richards, gate 9) makes her debut in the 1180m Maiden Handicap.
Whatever she does, we believe there will be improvement in the future.
Saint Loft (Quayde Krogh, gate 10) is drawn awkwardly in the 1000m Class One Handicap.
First up from a short freshen-up, the team is hoping for a reasonable effort.
Deep Core (Mathew Cahill, gate 7) gained a start as an emergency in the 1180m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
It&rsquo;s a challenging event, and the heavy conditions aren&rsquo;t ideal for his chances.
Dynamic One (Nick Souquet, gate 9) is one suited to the heavy conditions, and he is stepping back from recent runs in Sydney for this 1400m Class Two Handicap. &nbsp;
He&rsquo;s won here before, and we&rsquo;re hoping to replicate that success. To get involved with the MTR team,<a href="https://www.michaeltraversracing.com.au/horse-available">Click here</a> Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Daily Advertiser

MTR kicks off season at Gundagai

The final SDRA meeting of the 2023/24 season will be held at Albury today (Monday), and Michael Travers wants to finish on a good note.
On paper, Gold Tracker appears to be the stable&rsquo;s best chance, with Shaun Guymer riding the 4YO in the 1000m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
A three-time winner, Gold Tracker (gate 4, $8.50), is returning from a 10-day freshen-up and has drawn nicely for connections.
The 900m Maiden Plate is being contested by stablemates American Kestrel (Josh Richards, gate 8) and Prized Open (Shaun Guymer, gate 2).
American Kestrel has a $19 chance of having her first start for the Wagga stable after previously racing in Victoria. Prized Open ($41) is a Prized Icon filly (x Open Concerto) having her first-ever start.
Readers can <a href="https://www.michaeltraversracing.com.au/horse-available">click here</a> if you want to get involved with Michael Travers Racing. Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

MTR out to finish season strongly at Albury

Michael Travers Racing heads to Rosehill Gardens today with two chances.
Giving both DYNAMIC ONE and KAHAWATY every chance possible, Mick sent the duo to Sydney on Friday in a bid to have them rested up and settled in ahead of today&rsquo;s metropolitan race meeting.
While it is just a starting point for both gallopers, Mick and the team are excited to see how they go, with James Innes Jnr taking the rides.
DYNAMIC ONE&nbsp;(gate &nbsp;7) had a 10-day freshen-up and is first-up after six weeks in the second race on the program, the 1100m Class Two Highway Handicap.
A two-time winner, having prevailed in back-to-back races at Wagga and Gundagai late last year, the 3YO didn&rsquo;t fire in recent starts at Royal Randwick and Albury.
The Super One gelding handles a rain-affected track, and we&rsquo;re excited to see what he can do this time in.
KAHAWATY (gate 6)&nbsp;is new to the stable, with the recent purchase first-up in the 1200m Benchmark 78 Handicap.
The 5YO Pride Of Dubai mare is a three-time winner, and Mick believes she could be in for a big preparation once she settles into life in the country.
This is definitely a starting point for both runners, who are expected to improve in the near future.
Readers can <a href="https://www.michaeltraversracing.com.au/horse-available">click here</a> to join the fun and race with the Michael Travers Racing team.

News

MTR out to finish season strongly at Albury

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