Local trainer Graeme Birney hopes the step up to 1600 metres can make a winning difference to new stable acquisition Ludvig at Ballina on Friday.
The four-year-old Hussonet gelding, previously trained by Paul Messara, steps out in the Hahn Super Dry Maiden Plate (1610m).
Ludvig has been placed in each of his four runs since being purchased by Birney’s wife Sue and a group of long-time stable clients.
“When Paul (Messara) had him he was placed over 1600 metres and finished third for us over the same journey two starts back,” Birney said.
“He’s fit and hopefully he can break through tomorrow.”
Ludvig was a last-start second to General Collins as odds-on favourite when beaten a long head over 1350m at Doomben on January 4.
The gelding’s previous effort netted a third to Dreams And Wishes over 1600m at Eagle Farm on December 21.
Birney admitted it had taken time to figure Ludvig out.
“He’s a nice horse, not huge but very easy to do anything with on the track and around the stable,” he said.
“In a way we’re still figuring him out.
“In his first couple of runs he didn’t really travel, kept dropping off from the 600 metres.
“Since he’s raced up handier he’s racing a lot better.
“When we spell him, and that’s not far off, I think he’ll come back an even better horse given time to work with him.”
Four kilogram-claiming apprentice Kasie Stanley, the daughter of Casino Race Club secretary manager Di Stanley and her husband, trainer Peter Stanley, has the mount reducing Ludvig’s weight to 55kg and he has drawn ideally in barrier two.
“I’m very happy with his condition, he’s well weighted and been going good without winning,” Birney said.
Birney will also saddle up Hidden Rock in the XXXX Gold Maiden (1310m).
Part-owned and bred by Brian Purcell, the son of Hidden Dragon strung together three successive seconds, twice at Lismore and at Eagle Farm, before failing when 11th to Defenceman over 1500m at Eagle Farm on January 11.
Birney puts the out-of-character performance down to the added distance and apprentice rider.
“He’s probably not an apprentice’s horse. He needs a strong rider. Peter Graham will suit him much better,” Birney said.
“And I don’t think he handled the 1500 metres. He’s better suited over 1300 metres.”
AAP TURF
