John Peacock returns to Alice Springs

[Wandering Eyes]

Murray Bridge trainer John Peacock has taken horses to the Northern Territory for the past 28 years. He is currently based in Alice Springs before leaving for the Top End for the Darwin Cup Carnival. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix)

He is back in Alice Springs, but unfortunately, Murray Bridge trainer John Peacock missed the recent Cup Carnival.

Changes were made to the 2024 Carnival with Cup Day drawing the curtain on the five-day program on April 7.

Cup Day was traditionally the first Monday in May before the Alice Springs Turf Club switched the biggest day of the year to the first Sunday in May in 2020.

“Honestly, I wasn’t aware the Carnival had been brought forward until after Christmas,” he said.

“I look forward to coming to the Territory each year, but my horses don’t come back into work until late January or early February.

“It’s unlikely I would have had horses ready by March as I normally race horses in Alice Springs at this time of year before heading to Darwin.

“I was surprised the format changed, I’m not sure if I’ll be at the Carnival next year as I’ve had the same routine for the past 28 years.

“I would have to drive to Alice Springs and then return to Murray Bridge before heading back to Darwin.

“I’m told changes to the Carnival were mooted last year and that it wasn’t a popular decision – and that there weren’t too many interstate horses.”

Peacock, 76, who has tasted success in the NT with Flying Tormenta, Senior Council, Samalidan, Mine Craft and Calabisca, made a winning start back at Pioneer Park on April 20 with four-year-old mare Step Forward.

Step Forward, Cherry Stem, Star Of Monsoon and the impressive Super Famous are on deck come Sunday.

Super Famous, a narrow third in open company over 1100m two weeks ago, boasts an outstanding record in the NT over the short course and faces 0-64 opposition over 1100m.

The son of Super One has had 10 starts in Alice Springs for two wins and three minor placings, while in Darwin it’s 12 starts for four wins and six minor placings.

“They should all be competitive this week, especially Step Forward, but Super Famous is the one to watch,” Peacock said.

“In March, he finished fourth at Adelaide over 1250m and was then galloped on at Morphettville over 1200m three weeks later when 12th.

“He had two weeks in the paddock healing his leg up, so his first up run in Alice was pretty good and he’ll be a lot fitter on Sunday.

“The Pioneer Sprint normally takes place this weekend – he would have been combative had the Carnival schedule remained the same.”

Peacock leaves for Darwin on Tuesday, but while in Alice Springs, he has had the opportunity to catch up with friends and play golf.

“I enjoy coming to the Territory, and it’s good to race here in Alice before heading to Darwin,” he said.

“I will keep making the trip for as long as I can, it was nice to pick up some prizemoney the other day.”

Heroic Spirit, a four-year-old gelding – placed twice in four Darwin starts last year – and Pharma Boom, a three-year-old filly, complete Peacock’s team.

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