For a jockey facing a possible huge payday, Brad Rawiller has been remarkably laid back this week.
Rawiller looks to have the perfect book for Saturday’s Eagle Farm meeting with top chances Black Heart Bart (Group One Stradbroke Hcp), Howard Be Thy Name (Group One Queensland Derby), Real Love (Group Two Brisbane Cup) and Stratum Star (Group Two QTC Cup).
Black Heart Bart
The four are all trained by Darren Weir and if they all happen to win, Rawiller’s share would be a minimum $82,000.
But money has been the last thing on Rawiller’s mind.
Rawiller spent the early part of the week at the Sunshine Coast where he has ridden work including a public outing for Brisbane Cup favourite Real Love.
On Wednesday he moved camp to Brisbane where he was on hand to draw barrier 10 for topweight Black Heart Bart in the Stradbroke.
The Stradbroke is a race which has traditionally favoured lighter weighted horses, but the gelding has been in great form since joining Weir from Perth last year.
Black Heart Bart has won the Melbourne’s Victoria Handicap and Adelaide’s Group One Goodwood as well as finishing second in the Newmarket Handicap and All Aged Stakes.
“He is a proven Group One performer and if anything the 1400 (metres) will probably be his best distance. The Stradbroke is always a pressure race and that will suit Black Heart Bart,” Rawiller said.
He was happy when Howard Be Thy Name drew barrier two in the Derby as it means the gelding can take a position without being extended too much early.
“His run in the Grand Prix two weeks ago was good as a Derby pointer as he kept giving in the straight and we know he an stay,” Rawiller said.
Real Love, another former Perth horse, is rapidly becoming one of Rawiller’s favourites.
“She has done a lot of travelling and racing but if anything she has bloomed. Darren has done a great job with her,” Rawiller said.
He believes Stratum Star can return to his best form in the QTC Cup as drops back from Group One level.
