A failed betting move for country sprinter Baltra which started on Wednesday and didn’t stop until close to race time could yet have a favourable outcome for connections.
Baltra backers were out in force on the back of an unbeaten bush record but they came up empty-handed when the five-year-old finished second to River Of Salvation in the Schweppes Handicap (1300m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
River Of Salvation beating odds on favourite Baltra. - Photo by Steve Hart
Baltra was backed on course from $1.75 to $1.55 but corporate bookmakers offered as much as $4 soon after acceptance time.
“I’m still shaking my head (in disbelief) over the price he started,” Wagga Wagga trainer Gary Colvin said.
“It was his first time in Sydney and he had only beaten country-class horses.”
But those who lost money on Baltrac can take heart from jockey Peter Robl who says the horse can compete in richer company than an off-season benchmark race.
“He’s a really nice horse. Give him a spell now and there will be something to look forward to next time,” Robl said.
Colvin would like to think Baltra could make enough progress to take his place in the premier sprint race run on his home track.
“There’s the carnivals at Wagga and Albury which I would like to set him for,” Colvin said.
“I’ve come close to winning the Town Plate at Wagga and I would like to think this horse could be there in May.”
Baltrac was forced to work outside the leader and had no answer to the finish of River Of Salvation, an $8.50 to $13 drifter.
Apprentice Sam Clipperton gave River Of Salvation a soft run and he navigated an inside path to victory.
