Timing is everything in racing and Toowoomba trainer Norm Hilton is certain emerging sprinter Reilly Blue is trained to the minute for his Eagle Farm assignment on Saturday.
Hilton has declared Reilly Blue a certain starter in the $50,000 Sequalo @ Lyndhurst Open Handicap (1200m) and said the gelding was ready to make amends for his last-start third to Carry To Fortune in the Bat Out Of Hell (900m) at the Gold Coast on January 7.
“I was far from disappointed with his effort at the Coast,” he said.
“That race was far from suitable for him and he hasn’t missed a beat since the run.
“He needed a gallop for this race at Eagle Farm and he earned $10,000 for running third as it turned out.
“He’s right on song for this run and the 1200 metres will be right up his alley.”
Reilly Blue was run off his legs behind the blistering pace at the Gold Coast but the five-year-old hit the line better than any other runner and Hilton said he would settle much closer on Saturday.
“He’ll be better than midfield and the big track will help. I’m sure he’ll be getting home hard when they straighten up,” he said.
Top jockey Chris Munce rode Reilly Blue at the Gold Coast and Hilton has engaged the leading hoop to partner the gelding again on Saturday.
Hilton took over training Reilly Blue when he was a Class 2 horse last year and has since prepared him to win six races and he is now confident the gelding can give him his second Weetwood Handicap in March.
“I won the Weetwood Handicap in 2010 with Poor Judge and I think this horse is up to winning that sort of race,” Hilton said.
“Poor Judge was a very good horse but this bloke is doing everything we ask of him and keeps taking the next step.
“I’ll spell him after this run and aim him at the Weetwood.
“He can have two weeks off after this run and then I have about four weeks to get him up and going again.”
TAB Sportsbet had Reilly Blue as its $3 favourite on Friday ahead of Purettan at $4.20 and topweight Ollie Vollie at $4.60.
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