Former Swans AFL stars, Wagga trainer Wayne Carroll and part-owner Bernie Evans, hope to kick a goal with Belfries at Albury on Saturday.
The former Darley-owned four-year-old steps out in the Boss Better Living Systems Benchmark 55 Hcp (1000m).
The Exceed and Excel gelding is also part-owned by former amateur jockey Fred Horsley and his wife Nola whose family won the inaugural Wagga Picnic Cup last century and repeated the dose at the 100th running in 2006 with Petronel.
Evans, who played with the Swans and Carlton, is also a part-owner of Carroll’s top mare Lycra Lass.
Belfries hasn’t won since June last year and Carroll says another success is well overdue.
“He’s certainly due for another win,” Carroll said.
“He’s struck a number of wet tracks which he dislikes but given a decent track, and hopefully the predicted rain holds off, he’s in a winnable race Saturday.
“He certainly gets his opportunity.”
Belfries will be ridden by Josh Cartwright and carries 58kg after the apprentice’s three-kilo claim.
“With the claim and a drop back in grade, he gets in nice,” Carroll said.
“He’s a horse with a high cruising speed and we intend to use his best asset.
“We’ve tried to box seat with him but that hasn’t worked.
“Ironically, his two wins have come when he raced three deep in the lead.
“His best asset is his speed. We intend to utilise it.”
Belfries has had two runs from a 16-week spell and, fitness-wise, is right where Carroll wants him.
After resuming with a sixth to Garvan over 1000m at Albury on November 3, the gelding led last start over 1000m at Wagga on December 3 and was collared late to finish fourth, beaten less than a length, to Head Over in a Class 2 handicap.
“His run at Wagga was good. He’s a horse that gives 110 per cent,” Carroll said.
“There are no problems fitness-wise, he’s as ready as I can get him.
“It would be great to win for the owners, all good people and strong stable supporters.”
AAP TURF
