“It costs nothing to dream and everything not to.”
This quote from Rodney White is a philosophy that resonates with Joanna Offen.
The Esperance trainer is a dreamer and hopes to turn one of her dreams into reality when I Am Spartacus competes in the $400,000 Bluff Knoll (1099m) at Albany on Sunday.
Offen is fully aware of the challenge facing the nine-year-old, who is a rank outsider against top sprinters Rope Them In, Snowdome, and Almighty Class.
I Am Spartacus earned his spot in the Bluff Knoll discussion after a late surge to win the Esperance Sprint (1200m) on his home track two weeks ago.
At Tabtouch odds of $81, few punters give him a chance against such a strong field, but Offen refuses to see him as a mere also-ran.
For inspiration, Offen can look to Wednesday’s stunning 200 to 1 victory by Queen’s Sacrifice at Ascot.
Offen believes anything is possible in racing.
“I’m very excited to be in it, it’s a pretty strong race, but he doesn’t know that,” Offen told Racing WA.
“I’ll be very nervous, there’s a lot to think of, but the horse means an awful lot to me, he’s been a very good horse to me.
“In his early days when I got him, we didn’t even know if we would get one season out of him.
“He had a few soundness issues, but as he’s got older, he’s got better and better.
“I’ll be nervous in as much as he means so much to me.
“He’ll only ever do his best for us, and I believe he will go out and put his best foot forward.
“He’s a very special horse, and anything can happen.
“There will be a few parties if he gets close.”
I Am Spartacus has drawn barrier seven for the Bluff Knoll, with experienced jockey Lisa Staples retaining the ride after their Esperance Sprint victory.
Offen believes a fast-paced race will suit her veteran charge, a scenario likely with the likes of Devine Belief, Almighty Class, and Oxbridge in the field.
“If the race is run to suit him, anything can happen,” Offen said.
“If there is a good strong pace, I don’t know, he could be right there.
“He doesn’t know those horses are rated better than him.
“He thinks he’s the best, no matter where he goes.
“I’ve never known the horse not to try.
“Lisa knows him now; she’s had a few rides on him.
“He’s a little bit quirky, so I’m confident having Lisa on.”
I Am Spartacus began his career under Offen with a win first-up at Esperance four years ago, adding four more wins and 11 placings from 30 starts.
Win, lose, or draw, Offen says I Am Spartacus is likely to retire after the Bluff Knoll.
“I think we will call it after this,” Offen said.
“He owes us nothing, but it will be sad not taking him to the races again.
“He’s just a professional and a pleasure to have.
“He’s given us so much fun every time we’ve taken him to the races.”
The Bluff Knoll slot race was introduced last year and won by Perth sprinter Gemma’s Son.
The race distance of 1099m represents the height of Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the Great Southern’s Stirling Range National Park.
I Am Spartacus will run in the slot bought by Brian Fuller.
