Championship winner now in 'no man's land'

APTLY-NAMED pacer  is all but stuck in "no man's land" following his win in last Friday night's Riverina Regional Championship.

Thanks to his success in the Wagga-based feature Thalassophobia is eligible for the State Final, but the problem is, the event is not scheduled until April.

As such, trainer Jackson Painting is at a loss in relation to his plans with the son of Fear The Dragon and Ocean Dive.

"I'm rapt...absolutely stoked with his win," Painting said. "Going on previous years the various Regional Championships are run pretty close together before the State Final, but for some reason that's not the case this time and there is five months between now and then.

"Traditionally when I train a horse which gets to a 75 rating I send it to Jarrod Alchin to race at Menangle on a Saturday night, but I'm not sure if that's a viable option now.

"Cause he has won this for me, does that mean he can't go in one of the other Regional Championships for a different trainer...I'll have to ring the authority and find out.

"I've also had interest in him and a couple of others from America, so he may not even be here by the time the State Final comes around.

"Taking all that into consideration, I'm somewhat in no man's land with him at the moment."

As for his latest triumph, Thalassophobia was driven to perfection by Brad Hewitt, who settled the gelding midfield from barrier four as his stablemate, La Cavalletta, led from gate seven.

Taken to the extreme outside around the final bend, Thalassophobia unleashed a scintillating sprint to complete an eight-metre win from Tukaha, with Mirador Lass two metres away third.

"I had three in it and felt he was the better chance of the trio," Painting said. "I don't think there is much between them, but when the barrier came out it favoured him.

"He has always been a touch behind the best of his crop, but has improved a bit this season and gives the impression he will be better again next season."

HOOFNOTE: Thalassophobia is a fear of deep water such as the ocean or lakes.