Everson back for the cups

Jockey Marlon Dolendo brings the John Everson trained 2009 Lismore Cup winner Hecentadove back to scale.

CUP king John Everson is at it again.

There's a 2100m race on the card at the Lismore Turf Club meeting today and, naturally, he has a runner.

The Ballina trainer believes he has the top weight Singing Sovereign just about right for the Lismore Truck Show Cup and, if the five-year-old gelding runs well, he'll be set for the cup season ahead.

“He's had some runs prior to this and we've been a bit disappointed with his efforts,” Everson said.

“We've checked out his blood to see if there are any discrepancies and we've fixed that up.

“Since then he has improved considerably and we believe we can get him back to his best form.

“If all goes well, even though he is top weight, we think he'll run a nice race.”

Everson acquired the New Zealand-born galloper from Melbourne trainer Peter Moody about 18 months ago and his form in the city was sound.

“He's won over 3000m at Moonee Valley, has placed over the same distance and he's won over 2400m on a couple of occasions,” Everson said.

“It's taken him a while to acclimatise up here, but in his last preparation he was consistently getting seconds and thirds.

“We think we have him right this time to perform.”

Everson has twice won the Lismore Cup. In 2004, he guided Arena Valadora first past the winning post then saluted the judges with long-shot Hecentadove last year.

After a good spell, Hecentadove is back in training, with Everson's daughter Sue again riding him in track work.

“I'd dearly love to defend the title,” Everson said.

“And so far, so good.

“We haven't asked a great deal of him this time around and we'll just start to squeeze him now.”

Another highlight of the Lismore Truck Show race day today will be Peep's run in the Brown and Hurely Handicap (1000m).

Just over two weeks ago the five-year-old stunned racing pundits when it took out a 1000m race on South Grafton Cup day at odds of 100-1.

The five-year-old mare surprised everyone except trainer Robina Todd, who knew what a good horse she had once she ironed out a few kinks.

“She was a very unbalanced mare when she came to me, she kept knocking her front fetlocks with her hind legs,” Todd said.

“Even though she has got an awkward gait, she will be hard to beat, and if we can get a run up from midfield she'll be a real chance to run over the top of them.”

Not that Todd expects Peep to get the same odds this time.

“I don't think we'll get that sort of dollar again and even though she has never run in the heavy, I'm quite sure she will handle it,” Todd said.

The six-race program today will support the Richmond Specialist Palliative Care Unit.

Trucks involved in the truck show and parade will make their way down Molesworth Street and go on display at the race course later in the day.

Entry to the race course is by gold coin donation.