DAVID Balfour is a seasoned trainer and knows that to tackle the major autumn sprint races in Victoria it takes a very special horse, reports The Age. It says: That's why the South Australian will take particular notice of how his mare Obsidian Dragon copes with the $125,00 Kensington Stakes (1000 metres) at Flemington on Saturday. Much will hinge on the performance of Obsidian Dragon, who has won her last three starts, including an authoritative victory at Moonee Valley, but Saturday's race loo
DAVID Balfour is a seasoned trainer and knows that to tackle the major autumn sprint races in Victoria it takes a very special horse, reports The Age.
It says: That's why the South Australian will take particular notice of how his mare Obsidian Dragon copes with the $125,00 Kensington Stakes (1000 metres) at Flemington on Saturday. Much will hinge on the performance of Obsidian Dragon, who has won her last three starts, including an authoritative victory at Moonee Valley, but Saturday's race looms as far more of a challenge for the speedster.
''I think if we are to look at races like the Oakleigh Plate and the like, she's going to have to come through with a good result on Saturday,'' Balfour said yesterday. ''Sure, last time was against mares, and this time we are pitted against all comers. But we have to get a gauge on how she is going and where she is going this autumn. If Saturday shows she is out of her depth then we will come home and look at the carnival over here [South Australia].''
In her three wins this preparation, Obsidian Dragon has managed to shrug off any thought that she is merely a limited speedster. ''That she is not,'' Balfour said ''She gives everything, and a bit more. She gives plenty of fight and will not sit down on you. She toughs it out all the way.'' (www.theage.com.au)