Will Ouyen be where Joe's mate breaks his country cup duck?

John Dunne

23 Mar 2023

Last Updated 23 Mar 2023

Charlton trainer Joe Thompson is succinct when analysing the racing traits of his pacer Cee Cee In America before he lines up for a fourth consecutive cup attempt in Sunday’s Greggs Electrical Ouyen Pacing Cup.

“I reckon he sees crocodiles at the winning post,” was Thompson’s non-flattering assessment of the seven-year-old, who has chalked up 18 first four finishes since winning his last race 18 months ago.

Cee Cee In America finished fourth in last Sunday’s hometown Charlton Cup after finishing fourth in the Mallee Bull Cup at Birchip and second in the Boort Cup.

“Look I have been putting him in the better races for a pacer of his class and he is racing well,” he said.

Thompson said there has been elements of bad luck along the way.

“He dropped a knee boot at the start at Birchip and he lost a bit of ground on the turn at Boort when beaten a half head,” he said.

Despite the lack of visits to the winner’s stall, Cee Cee In America has paid his way for Thompson who purchased the son of American Ideal in mid-2021.

“I wasn’t training many at the time and I had a couple of young ones coming through so I needed a going horse to keep my eye in so I got this bloke,” he said.

“I know he doesn’t often win but he’s run a lot of placings including second in the Central Vic Final and has won over $40,000 in prizemoney since I bought him.”

Thompson said Cee Cee In America should feature in the early battle for the lead from his favourable front row draw.

“He has plenty of gate speed so I’ll tell Ash (Markham) to come out and have a look as it’s a big advantage to be near the lead around Ouyen,” he said.

“It’s a drop in class from the Charlton Cup and with a bit of luck he can pinch one of these.”

Central Victorian Pacing Championship Final winner Double The Hunter was beaten into fifth place when a $2.50 favorite in the Mallee Bull Cup, however he should be fitter for the run and looks the horse to beat from the pole.

The Shane Sanderson-trained Ultimate Force caught the eye with a fast-finishing second behind Nineteenth Man at Charlton last Sunday and is well placed from barrier two.