Right Time to Board the Express
- Saturday, 26 October 2002 00:00
The former Sydney galloper, now prepared by David Balfour, was sent out a clear-cut 15/10 favourite over 1650m at Victoria Park a fortnight ago when he finished sixth behind None For The Road.
But although punters put their faith in the six-year-old that day, Balfour rates him a much better chance tomorrow.
"He was crazy odds last start," Balfour said. "His first two runs back from a spell were good but he’s looking for at least 2000m. The 1650m was always going to be too short. He did a good job, though, because he was beaten just over two lengths."
Agincourt Express recorded five wins and seven placings at distances of 1900m and beyond when prepared by Gai Waterhouse, including a win in the Group 3 Newcastle Cup. He gets to a suitable distance for the first tomorrow since being under Balfour’s care and, according to the trainer, is ready to notch his first South Australian win.
"Now he’s had a few runs back from a spell he’s much fitter and the 2051m should be right up his alley," Balfour said. "I can’t fault his work and he seems well. The big track should suit him and Andrew (Stead) has ridden him a fair bit in trackwork."
Stablemate Simply Magical, in the same race, needs to lift his game on his recent form to issue a serious challenge to tomorrow’s line-up.
"He’s just not finishing his races off," Balfour said. "He’s been in the bull-ring a couple of times over the last week to liven him up a bit, but he needs to improve."
Along with Agincourt Express, Balfour has a number of good chances at Morphettville tomorrow.
Lawson’s Storm, in the Channel 7 Handicap (1600m), won first-up over 1200m at Morphettville before placing there over the same distance last start. Balfour is adamant he, too, is looking for more ground.
"I’ve always felt he would be best at a mile," Balfour said. "His first-up run was super but he was looking for further second-up. I couldn’t really find a 1400m race for him but he needed a run to have him ready for this. He’s trained on well too and should be hard to beat over the extra distance."
Starbucks is another in-form member of the stable and he will run in the Pope Packaging Handicap (1600m).
"He’s going along well and won impressively last start," Balfour said. "This is a tougher race but I think he’s nicely weighted. He should get a good run off the speed and be in the finish again."
Champagne Gold, third in the Listed Fulham Park Plate behind On Focus and Son Of Spartacus on debut, should also go close.
"She battled on strongly in the Fulham and has trained on well," Balfour said. "She will be improved by the experience and she did beat a number of these on debut but, of course, you don’t know how good some of the newcomers are."
The Made Of Gold filly will be ridden by Clare Lindop, who was aboard on debut and rides her in all her trackwork.
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)