A successful association that includes champion galloper Tie The Knot continues at Goulburn tomorrow with the Guy Walter-trained Red River.
The four-year-old gelding was bred by Sandy Tait and Jill Nivison whose famous family colours – red with white cap – have been carried by a long line of top class horses such as Baguette, Whisked, Spinning Hill and 13-time Group One winner Tie The Knot.
Red Diver, who contests the Fred Cooper Cup, a Benchmark 63 event over 1600m, is closely related to Tie The Knot.
The gelding is by Secret Savings from the late Zabeel mare, La Zabaglione, a half sister to Tie The Knot. Red Diver is also a half brother to Sandberg, the winner of five races and three-time winner Isola.
Walter describes Tait and Nivison as “wonderful people, great clients and breeders who have enjoyed remarkable success”.
“Between them the likes of Tie The Knot, Spinning Hill and Wild Iris have provided 17 Group One wins in just over a decade, a fantastic effort especially as the that aren’t commercial breeders,” Walter said.
Red Diver has a way to go before adding to the impressive tally but Walter has always had a good opinion of the gelding, although he admits to a modicum of frustration.
“He’s been a puzzling horse,” Walter said.
“He’s always shown a lot of ability but not really produced that on the track.
“We’ve found the secret is to ride him quiet. He can be inclined to over race.
“He’s built a handy record and is certainly capable of winning.
“The key is if Kathy (O’Hara) can get him to relax over the mile (1600m) and there’s enough pace on to suit.”
Red Diver has three wins and four placings from 12 starts.
The gelding recorded back to back wins over 1400m and 1600m at Goulburn in October-November before his last start unlucky third to Coliseo and Lonchero coming back to 1400m on the same track on December 4.
Red Diver was held up badly between the 250 to 200m, charged home late when clear to just miss.
“He’s done well since then,” Walter said.
“The pace last start didn’t suit him.
“He’s a tall leggy type, still with some filling out to do. We’re all hoping the best is still ahead of him.”
AAP TURF
