KEY POINTS:
Even the best of racehorses can be frustrating.
John Wheeler says he can't think of one that's been more frustrating for him than class act juvenile The Pooka.
Wheeler can't come up with a minor niggling problem The Pooka has not had in the past six weeks.
"He's had everything," said the Taranaki trainer.
Wheeler needs the smart youngster to be at his best for the $175,000 Ford Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie tomorrow.
"I reckon I had him right for his debut run [in the spring] and for the day he won at Trentham last month, but outside that he's had one thing after another troubling him."
The Pooka had an eye infection so bad he could not see until 72 hours before he won, but not as impressively as expected, on his home track at New Plymouth last start.
"I believe his problems are essentially because he's growing and it puts a strain on his immune system," said Wheeler.
Another problem for The Pooka is his inability to draw a decent barrier position.
When he was placed behind Crossyourheart at Ellerslie in November he drew 11 of 14 runners and since has been landed with 9 of 9 at Trentham (and still won), 8 of 14 when second to Crossyourheart in the $500,000 Classique at Te Rapa and 5 of 7 last start.
"And at No 7 he's out there again this time," said Wheeler.
The Pooka will need to have things go his way from the awkward barrier against talent such as El Cuento, Pierre Joseph and Satinka.
Satinka was massively impressive winning the Robin, Duke Of Bedford Matamata Breeders Stakes.
Ellerslie is not as easy to lead on as Matamata, but she is a very talented filly.
Pierre Joseph has had only the two raceday starts and is learning rapidly.
