Callan and Blazing Speed partnership set to continue post-racing
THERE’S no denying that two-time Champions & Chater Cup winner Blazing Speed has a special place in jockey Neil Callan’s heart, so much so the Irish jockey wants to keep it upon retirement.
Blazing Speed is seeking its third win in the Sha Tin feature on Sunday and whilst Callan isn’t hoping retirement is around the corner for the four-time group one winner, he’s hoping to take the prized thoroughbred home when the time comes.
“Obviously, I have a soft spot for him and I would love to keep him after he is retired,” Callan said. “We have some stables at my wife Trish’s parents place in Newmarket.
“I’m not sure what the plans are for him but I have offered. Hopefully retirement is a while away yet though, he is still running some good races.”
Blazing Speed hasn’t won since last year’s Champions & Chater Cup, but the Tony Cruz-trained champion hasn’t been too far away and Callan was happy with its work earlier in the week.
“I watched him work with Tony, he jumped out of the stalls and hit the line nice and strong. It looked great from where I was sitting,” Callan said.
“He is still in pretty good shape, the old boy.”
Blazing Speed likes to sit just off a slow pace and strike late, but Callan doesn’t believe the $5.50 chance at Sportsbet.com.au needs everything to go its way.
“He can win from wherever he sits in the run, he is the most straightforward horse you could ever ride,” Callan said.
“There’s no one way he has to be ridden, you just go with the flow, and he will tell you in the run how he wants to be ridden.”
2017 Champions & Chater Cup odds
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