Kenny Moore, the trainer from Rangiora, is hoping for a stellar performance from Steve Austin at Riccarton’s Synthetic meeting on Wednesday.
The Complacent gelding has secured placements in four of his recent starts, and Moore, while appreciating the consistent earnings, is eager to see him finally break his maiden status this week.
“He seems to like getting placed,” Moore humorously remarked. “But as long as I get a cheque and not a bill, I am a happy chappy.”
Just last Friday, Steve Austin finished as the runner-up over 2200m at Oamaru, and Moore has decided to send him out again in less than a week before giving him a well-deserved rest.
“I was very happy with him last start,” he said. “We went in fearing Choice Moment because we took them down as well and work together at Rangiora. She had been working so well that we thought she would be tough to beat, and we were proved to be right.
“He has pulled up so well. I mainly put him in to make sure the race got off the ground, and there is nothing for him for about three weeks, so I thought he could back up because he is a big, strong lad. Hopefully, he can do the job and then he can have a little freshener.”
Steve Austin has drawn barrier four in a five-horse field and will benefit from a four-kilogram weight reduction thanks to apprentice jockey Denby-Rose Tait’s claim.
“I booked Denby because I thought I would back him up if he won, and if he won, he would get about 60 kilos. He didn’t win, but I am very happy to give Denby a chance; she is a very nice young lass.”
In the same race, Steve Austin will be joined by stablemate Franni Caccini, who has drawn the coveted inside position.
“Franni Caccini is a lovely mare. She trained beautifully on Saturday and she is certainly not much behind Steve Austin, but she is still a little bit weak yet. She is going to be a very nice mare with time,” Moore commented.
Additionally, Moore will be serving as a caretaker trainer for Doubtful Sound, trained by Suzy Gordon of Foxton. The five-year-old gelding has shown promise on Riccarton’s synthetic track and Moore is optimistic about his chances this week.
“He has trained really well, I think he is a good chance tomorrow,” Moore said. “He has stayed with us, just until this meeting, and then he is going home for a spell. He is a lovely boy.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, Moore has plans to field Bluey’s Chance and last-start winner Lady Telena at Riccarton’s grass meeting on Saturday.
“It is going to be a busy week for our little stable,” Moore noted. “Lady Telena has come through the win last week so well. We will back her up and she is going to have a little freshener after this.
“I think she will be a live chance as long as rain doesn’t come. Bluey is always a chance. He worked lovely this morning. He is an old chap now and is coming toward the end of his career, but he is always a place chance whenever he goes out. He has been amazing and has taken us on an incredible journey.”
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