Hard Work Holds Andrew in Good Stead

Friday, 04 October 2002 00:00

Promising Apprentice Andrew Stead could be in for a big long-weekend with a number of good rides spread across three meetings.

Stead has been a little quiet lately but, as the numbers grow in his master’s stable, so to will his opportunities over the next few months.

Stead is indentured to leading Morphettville trainer David Balfour and his recent hard work has been rewarded with a couple of excellent stable rides.

"Andrew is going along well and is a pretty hard working lad," Balfour said. "He doesn’t do much wrong but his opportunities have been limited lately because most of my team have been in the paddock. I’ve got a lot more runners in work now, though, and he’ll get plenty of rides over the next few months."

The lead-up work Stead has poured into Made Of Gold filly Gold Emerald has paid dividends, being rewarded with her debut ride at Cheltenham Park tomorrow. The filly showed good speed in winning a trial at Victoria Park in early September.

"She’s only a little pony but she’s very quick," Balfour said. "She’s just a jump and run type but Andrew’s (3kg) claim will certainly help. He’s ridden her in all her work and won on her in the trial so he deserves the ride tomorrow."

Another plum stable mount for Stead is on Monday at Morphettville. He will ride Lawson’s Storm, who won impressively at the track last start.

"Lawson’s Storm showed plenty of ability last time in but did plenty of things wrong," Balfour said.

"He’s settled right down now he’s been gelded and he’ll continue to improve. His mother, Poet’s Breeze, was an absolute flying machine but I think he’ll get up to a mile. He got back and worked home well last start and the form from the race is good. The claim certainly helps and he should run well again."

Along with his mounts at Cheltenham Park and Morphettville, Stead has four good rides, including Illustrious Ruler and Beadman, at Port Lincoln on Sunday.

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)