Adelaide trainer Ryan Balfour says victory in the TAB Classic on his home track at Morphettville would be extra special as his father trained the mare’s dam.
When Ryan Balfour walked into Morphettville for the barrier draw ahead of the TAB Classic, he wanted somewhere between six and eight for Li’l Kontra.
His wish was granted with the mare in gate eight for Saturday’s Group 1 contest over 1200m at Morphettville.
A second piece of the puzzle was also granted with Sisstar drawn next to Li’l Kontra in nine.
Balfour says Li’l Kontra has had the perfect preparation as a last start Caulfield winner, admittedly in lesser grade, but she did it in style and with weight.
“We’ve drawn a peach of a gate,” Balfour said.
“We’ve got a gun jockey (Brett Prebble) that is hungry. The horse is up and about and going as well as she ever has and we’re on our home deck.
“Sisstar is drawn near us so we should be able to tag into a lovely spot and she’s coming off a good win at Caulfield.
“I think she’ll get her chance and the one thing about Kontra, she’ll give 110 per cent.”
Li’l Kontra is a $51 chance in latest TAB betting, which has Instant Celebrity the $6.50 favourite.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Robert Sangster Stakes
Balfour thinks his charge is over the odds in comparison to Brooklyn Hustle, an $11 chance.
“I really rate a horse like Brooklyn Hustle, but we’ve raced against Brooklyn Hustle twice and beaten her home each time,” Balfour said.
Chasing his first Group 1 win, Balfour said success on Saturday would be a career highlight.
The son of former trainer David Balfour, Ryan has been around horses, and racing, his entire life and the TAB Classic, or under its registered name of Robert Sangster Stakes, and the upcoming Goodwood, are the premier races in Adelaide.
“Sprint racing in Australia, we can hold our own anywhere in the world, so to win a Group 1 in a sprint contest would mean a lot, especially with her,” Balfour said.
“Dad trained her mother and a lot of the family, so a win on Saturday, it would be very, very special.”
