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Time has proven an ally for the Rodney Northam-trained Irish Teardrop who lines up at Muswellbrook Sunday chasing back to back wins.
The four-year-old daughter of leading sire Fastnet Rock was originally considered lucky if she would ever make the grade after performing badly in three trials with Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker.
Owners of the mare – Yarraman Park Stud – decided to switch her to Scone trainer Rodney Northam hoping she could win a race.
Since the transfer, Irish Teardrop has strung together three wins and five placing’s from ten starts. Northam is hoping to add to her record in the Bengalla Class 3 Hcp (1450m) at Muswellbrook.
“Sometimes the Fastnet Rock’s need a bit of time,” Northam suggested. “This mare has furnished with time and continued to improve.
“Apparently she didn’t impress in three trials when she was with Bjorn Baker but since I’ve had her, she’s going good since we’ve worked her out.
“We’ve discovered she doesn’t do well in a box. We train her out of the paddock. She appreciates that and appreciates the country environment.”
Irish Teardrop has been in great form this campaign since a 200-day enforced spell.
“She wretched a joint after winning at Gunnedah (June 11),” Northam said. “She’s come back in good order. She’s developed and matured.
“She’s a tough mare, holding her form well.
“She’s done well since winning last start, continues to work well. She’s a nice worker and a lot easier to handle now.”
Irish Teardrop is coming off a last start win in a 1300m Benchmark 60 handicap at Scone on March 15.
Previously the mare was beaten a nose by Gala Affair in a 1350m Class 3 handicap at Doomben on February 19 and was runner-up at Tamworth and Scone.Northam’s biggest fear Sunday is the state of the track.
“I don’t want it to be bottomless,” he said. “I’d be pretty confident if was in the dead range. I think she’ll handle the wet but I don’t want it too heavy.”
Mitchell Bell has the mount with Irish Teardrop launching from barrier seven.
