Count Kala out to improve

Mt Barker trainer Alan McNa-mara Jr is hoping for vast improvement from talented sprinter Count Kala on his home turf today after a disappointing fourth last, which continued a luckless preparation.

Count Kala, now in the hands of Allen McNamara’s son, has been placed three times this campaign without winning and was withdrawn from the Tabtouch Regional Championship Final as Ascot after injuring rider Peter Hall behind the barriers.

Last start in Albany the five-year-old was never suited by a muddling run race after starting awkwardly and being impeded in the home straight to finish 6¼ lengths behind Queen Tori.

The son of Danehill Express meets a solid line-up in today’s Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital Handicap (1200m) where he has drawn the outside in the field of nine with Glenn Smith again engaged.

“He was so disappointing last start,” McNamara Jr said.

“The pace probably didn’t suit him the other day but Glenn had him right where we wanted him and he just didn’t produce.

“It’s hard to predict what he’ll do.

“He is a moody horse but if he’s in the right mood he’ll win.

“He’s worked well on the training track and eaten up everything since that start.”

Count Kala is equal top weight with Faulty and Song Of War, the trio all set to lump 59kg.

Faulty resumes for Albany trainer Steve Wolfe without a trial.

Stable jockey Shaun McGruddy is aboard from gate three.

Song Of War is back in Adam Durrant’s name and will also be first-up and will be ridden by Hall who is returning to the saddle this afternoon.

Impressive four-year-old Levonas, rising Paul Hunter-trained galloper Waychinicup and the consistent Parisienne Lady are also in the field.

Hall will also partner Chasing Chaos who has 62kg in the Paddy Knapp Handicap (1300m).

CAMERON NEWBOLD’S MT BARKER SELECTIONS

Race 1: Stratum Pass

Race 2: Tap The Go Go

Race 3: Southern Tern

Race 4: Levonas

Race 5: De Andes

Race 6: Lowlands Boy

Race 7: Sassenach

Best Bet: Tap The Go Go

Value: Sassenach