Paris Blu To Smash Track Hoodoo

Thursday, 13 October 2011 03:30

Trainer Barry Baldwin is confident Paris Blu is ready to smash a track hoodoo at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Paris Blu and former Kiwi mare Marsh Harbour will represent the Baldwin stable in the River Junction Droughtmasters Handicap (1300m).

Paris Blu has never won in 11 appearances at Eagle Farm, with two seconds her best efforts.

"I'm not sure why she hasn't won there yet but perhaps it's because the straight is so long compared to Doomben," Baldwin said.

Paris Blu was freshened up to lead all the way over 1350 metres at Doomben on September 10 and adopted the same tactics two weeks later when she faded to finish sixth to Risk Aversion over the same trip.

"Her run last time behind Risk Aversion wasn't too bad and she was only beaten just over three lengths," Baldwin said.

"I've also got Marsh Harbour in the race but my preference is for Paris Blu."

Baldwin has some concerns with Paris Blu's 58 kilograms and has retained apprentice Michael Hellyer who can claim two kilograms.

Baldwin will closely monitor the performance from Marsh Harbour who started her career in New Zealand before being transferred to Melbourne's Robert Smerdon.

Marsh Harbour has started only 19 times for four wins with her only victory in this country at Geelong in July.

The five-year-old daughter of Volksraad has only been in Baldwin's stable for a short time after Smerdon sent her to Adelaide where she finished second over 1300 metres at Morphettville on September 17.

"I used to train Rum Dum for her owner, Owen Tomlinson," Baldwin said.

"Owen sent her to me hoping she'll find it a bit easier in Queensland.

"I don't know too much about her but they tried to get her ready for an Oaks as a three-year-old but she never made it to the race.

"She's not a big mare and I think Owen feels 1400 metres is her right distance."

Rum Dum started 46 times during his career under Baldwin, Bede Murray and Kaye Tinsley for seven wins and 11 placings.

His best win was for Baldwin in the Group Three Lord Mayors Cup (1615m) at Doomben in 2008.