Tough NSW country gelding Kurtley has been transferred to Brisbane trainer Steve O’Dea to escape big weights in his home state.
Kurtley has won eight races and more than $313,000 prize money for Tamworth trainer Leon Davies but has paid the price for his consistency.
In three starts in NSW this campaign, he has carried between 58.5kg and 61.5kg and connections felt he would be less harshly treated in Brisbane.
Kurtley is no stranger to Queensland having run six minor placings in Brisbane in visits dating back to February 2013.
He will have his first start for O’Dea in the Open Handicap (1630m) at Doomben on Saturday where he will carry the minimum 54kg.
O’Dea said he was still learning about Kurtley whose best form seemed to be around the 1600m mark.
“I’ve been going through his form and he has won four times at 1600 metres and been placed a further nine times. In fact he has run three minor placings at the Doomben 1600,” O’Dea said.
“He has been tried out over further and not been disgraced. It will be a learning curve for us but I see no reason he can’t pay his way here.”
Paul Hammersley who has ridden 12 winners for O’Dea this season will be aboard Kurtley.
O’Dea has been in great form this year and will have a strong hand in the winter with horses such as five-time stakes winner Sir Moments, Magic Millions Classic placegetter Candika and the improving Tan Tat Diamond and Beatniks.
He said Sir Moments had come through his fourth at Doomben last Saturday well.
“He had 61 kilograms and they walked the first part of the race,” O’Dea said.
“The winner got home his last 600 metres in 33.04 which made it impossible for us. Sir Moments would have had to run 32 seconds for his sectional to win.”
“So the run wasn’t that bad. He will run again on Saturday week and then on to the Tails Handicap and Hollindale Cup.”
