Trainer Robbie Griffiths will be looking for some divine help when Verdad runs at Caulfield.
Verdad is scheduled to run in the Rod Griffiths Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.
A champion jockey in his day, Rod Griffiths was the older brother of Griffiths, the trainer, and died in May 2022 after long battle with illness.
Saturday’s running of the Rod Griffiths Handicap will be the third staging of the race by the Melbourne Racing Club with Griffiths keen on victory after finishing second with I Only Wish last year while Queen Of Tuscany was fifth in 2024.
“Rod had his best successes at Caulfield,” Griffiths said.
“He scored a Group 1 double there only day, which is no mean feat and hopefully he’s looking down on us on Saturday.”
Verdad can be a difficult horse to catch but a lot of his career has been spoilt by poor barrier draws.
At his most recent start, Verdad drew barrier 11 when third in an 11-horse field at Flemington on May 16.
Griffiths said Verdad had been a frustrating galloper, winning just three times in 31 starts with a further 16 minor placings, although he has collected just over $775,000 in prize money.
“When they’re around the money, you question whether do they give their all,” Griffiths said.
“Or the other way to look at it is if they are around the money, maybe they’re just lacking that length and try their guts out, but the horse has won nearly $800,000.
“I think barriers have been against him a lot in his career as there hasn’t been many inside draws and if he gets an inside draw, normally the inside is off.
“Logan Bates takes 1-½ kilos off, so one thing you do know, he’s going to give you a great run.”
Griffiths joked before Verdad gets on the float for Caulfield on Saturday, he will give the gelding a talking to.
“If he’s ever going to break the drought, it would be good this Saturday and win Rod’s race,” Griffiths said.
“I would like to present the trophy to myself.”
