SKY Racing News: Feb 8, 20162:21
Take a look at all the latest news from the thoroughbred racing world. Courtesy: SKY Racing
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — JANUARY 21: Trainer Darren Weir after Big Duke won Race 6 during Melbourne Racing at Moonee Valley Racecourse on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
DARREN Weir concedes his trio contesting the CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday faces a major challenge to defeat Malaguerra.
Weir has Black Heart Bart, Palentino and Lucky Hussler in the 1400m Group 1.
Malaguerra set a course record for 1200m when he won the Australian Stakes at Moonee Valley by two lengths over Black Heart Bart, with Palentino fourth.
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“It’s going to be hard to turn the tables especially as Black Heart Bart has drawn terribly, but then Malaguerra has drawn worse,” Weir said. “He galloped at Warrnambool on Tuesday with Lucky Hussler and Brad Rawiller was really with him.”
Black Heart Bart has drawn barrier 11 and Malaguerra 12. Malaguerra is a $ 3.80 favourite, Black Heart Bart is $ 4.20, Lucky Hussler is $ 7 and Palentino $ 15 with TAB fixed odds.
Malaguerra is favourite for the Orr Stakes on Saturday.Source:Getty Images
Weir said Black Heart Bart would be much better suited though over 1400m and also Caulfield.
Black Heart Bart has had two starts at the track and distance for wins in last year’s Victoria Handicap and Memsie Stakes. He also won the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at the track.
His only loss at the course came at the hands of Winx in the Caulfield Stakes.
In last year’s Orr Stakes, Lucky Hussler finished an unlucky second behind Suavito and Weir pointed out that he was also unlucky at his last start when seventh in the Magic Millions Cup.
Darren Weir admits it will be hard for Black Heart Bart to turn the tables on Malaguerra in the Orr Stakes.Source:Getty Images
“He should have won his last start as Brad didn’t come out when he should have. He’s come back in great shape and he’s a fit horse.”
Rawiller will ride Black Heart Bart on Saturday, Damien Lane will ride Lucky Hussler and Mark Zahra will be on Palentino.
Weir said Palentino had returned to work much more relaxed: “He’ll run well second up but he’ll peak third up at his next start in the Futurity Stakes.”
Weir’s trio will contest the Futurity Stakes on February 25 and will be joined by former Japanese star Tosen Stardom. “I think (Tosen Stardom has) got one good 1400m run in him so we’ve decided to wait for the Futurity,” Weir said.
