From long drought to pending milestone

FRESH from a drought-breaking victory last month, Daniel Tucker is hoping to register a personal milestone this weekend.

Preparing Captain Cosmonaut to score in Port Pirie on April 4, Tucker notched his first success since With Authority was triumphant at the same venue in April 2023.

Among the placegetters several times during his next seven outings, Captain Cosmonaut then broke through for another win last Tuesday before completing consecutive wins at Globe Derby four nights later.

Nominated for Saturday night's meeting, the son of Sportswriter will be aiming for a hat-trick.

Should Captain Cosmonaut achieve the feat, it will be the first time Tucker has trained a runner to win three-in-a-row.

"Last weekend was the first time I've had a horse win two-in-a-row, so if he can get a hat-trick it will be pretty special," Tucker said. "I've got him entered for Saturday night, so I'll have to wait for the fields to come out.

"He is in terrific shape, and as long as he gets a good run, he should be a good chance again."

Pushed forward from his inside of the second row draw during his latest start, Captain Cosmonaut enjoyed the run of the race behind Twin Connection, which led from the pole.

Angled away from the pegs halfway along the home straight, the gelding reached the front in the last stride to score by a head from the pacemaker.

Heza Tiger was 10 metres away third in 2:00.8 over 2230 metres.

"I gave him a big chance, especially if the pole horse kept the front," Tucker said. "Everything went his way and he was able to make the most of it."