Setting the Bar High for Risisng Star

Black River trainer Terry McGovern is keeping his winter carnival plans close to his chest for talented three-year-old Mind Over Matter.

The talented Written By gelding stormed to a brilliant first-up win in the Ladbrokes 3YO Hcp (1000m) and maintained his unbeaten four-race winning streak for McGovern.

Buoyed by the impressive return, McGovern is now keen to test Mind Over Matter over a longer trip to explore carnival options.

“That was a very good run first-up. We gave him the three runs last prep and had a little bit of trouble with his feet and a few other niggling issues so we spelled him.

“He’s come back fantastic and I’d like to get him out over a little bit more distance and see where we can go with him.

“I think we’ve got plenty of options when you’ve got ability like that.

“He was very fresh and he was that excited to be here. Obviously we didn’t trial him, but once he works down a little bit he settles quite nicely through his runs.

“He’s got a nice turn of foot. He’s got some gears there.

“I wanted to get him out over longer last prep but the races just didn’t line up. It obviously would have been nicer to know he could get over longer going into the carnival.

“We’ve just got to play it day by day and do the best we can.

“I don’t think the 1200m will be a problem and I think you’ll see an even better turn of foot if he can settle.

“I’ve got lots of things in the back of my mind for him but we’re taking it day by day.”

Mind Over Matter, a Sydney cast-off from the Waterhouse-Bott stables, has been a revelation since McGovern purchased the gelding last year for Townsville owners.

McGovern used his years of experience as a farrier to nurse Mind Over Matter through chronic feet problems before getting him to the races for the first time at Cluden in January.

A $400,000 yearling, the gelding announced his arrival on the Townsville scene with an emphatic 4.5 length maiden win.

He reeled off another two impressive wins before being sent for a spell.

Group 1 winning jockey Sean Cormack has been aboard the gelding in all of his wins and gave the sprinter a glowing report after Tuesday’s win.