Racing: Pepper hopes to train quinella at Narooma

Last year Quichang went under by a nose to Fair Nation in the Narooma Cup. Photo / Thinkstock

Local trainer Luke Pepper is brimming with confidence his two starters in the Narooma Cup today are right at their peak, but when it comes to the stable elect, he prefers to play a diplomatic straight bat.

"Both horses have been specifically set for the 1650m of the race. Both have gone on since their last run and they're both at their peak," Pepper said.

"The Conqueror probably has more quality but the old bloke [Quichang], what he lacks in ability makes up for in heart.

"The quinella would be nice."

Pepper holds a strong hand in the event that has drawn together a good-quality field of 14 runners at Moruya.

The Pepper-trained Ilringya won the 2011 Narooma Cup-Moruya Cup double and claimed his second Moruya Cup a year later.

Last year Quichang went under by a nose to Fair Nation in the Narooma Cup.

The Conqueror is a new stable acquisition from Canberra trainer Nick Olive, Pepper's former boss.

The 5-year-old gelding, a winner of seven of his 27 starts, had his first run for Pepper when second to Moorings Capital over 1400m at Canberra on December 27 after a 38-week spell.

"It was a super effort first-up," Pepper said.

"We gave him a nice long preparation leading into Canberra and the aim was always to have him ready second-up for the Narooma Cup. His second-up record is excellent.

"We did a lot of work with him at home beforehand and I couldn't be happier with him. He pulled up super and the match-day fitness has done him the world of good.

"Last campaign for Nick he went off the boil but since he's been with me he's really enjoying coastal life and is bouncing out of his skin.

"He's got a new lease of life."

Quichang, a 9-year-old winner of eight races, goes to the race off a sixth to Moorings Capital on December 27.

"He always takes a few runs to come to his peak," Pepper said.

"He sort of blundered at the start last time, got further back than we thought and got stuck in the worst part of the going that day.

"He's an old warhorse who gives 110 per cent."

Jeff Penza, a Moruya cups specialist, partners The Conqueror and apprentice Winona Costin rides Quichang.

- AAP