Impressive Hellish set to return

By Glenn Davis

Talented Central Queensland galloper Hellish is set to take on open company sprinters for the first time when he makes his comeback at Rockhampton on Thursday.

Trainer Clinton Taylor has entered Hellish for the Open Handicap over 1100 metres.

Hellish has been carrying big weights in Central Queensland but drops to 55kgs, the lightest he’s carried since Taylor took him over from Victorian trainer Danny O'Brien in June of last year.

“The weight relief he gets in the Open makes it a bit easier,” Taylor said.

Hellish, who drew barrier one, steps out for the first time since winning a 1200 metre Class 6 Plate at Callaghan Park in the middle of October last year.

However, he showed he was ready for a strong first-up showing by easily winning a 900 metre barrier trial at Rockhampton two weeks ago.

“I was very happy with how he performed in the barrier trial and I’m expecting him to run well,” Taylor said.

“He’s got to prove to us he can make the step up in grade but I’m hopeful he will.

“His form is good, he trialled well and he’s got a good alley.”

Hellish’s latest Rockhampton victory was his fifth straight win since coming to Queensland and he’s been a bargain buy for his owners who have collected more than $58,000 in prizemoney since taking him over.

“We got him for $11,000 at an Inglis online auction when he was put up for sale by Danny O’Brien in Victoria,” Taylor said. 

Taylor is unconcerned Hellish is yet to win first-up and is confident of overcoming the statistic.

A four-year-old son of Hellbent, Hellish is winless in five starts first-up which has produced two seconds and a third.

However, he has an excellent track record with three wins and a second from four starts at Callaghan Park and is a winner at his only attempt over the trip there.

Taylor hasn’t ruled out a trip to Brisbane soon before targeting the winter carnival in Central Queensland with Hellish.

“If he takes the next step we might look around for a suitable race in Brisbane before we aim for the winter races here with him,” Taylor said.