Senior rider policy a key for Doomben win of Bat A Kat
Trainer Darryl Hansen’s preference to use an experienced rider on Bat A Kat has paid more dividends.
Trainer Darryl Hansen’s commitment to keeping senior riders on promising three-year-old Bat A Kat again proved a winner at Doomben.
Bat A Kat ($6.50) was asked to carry 3kg more than his previous win at the Gold Coast when he was too strong in the James Boag’s Premium Handicap (1350m).
He scored by 1-1/4 lengths to Susurri ($8) with the favourite Cruze ($2.80) a length back in third place.
Hansen said at no stage had he considered employing a claiming apprentice to reduce Bat A Kat’s weight of 59kg.
“He just isn’t a kid’s horse. His only defeat this time in was when he was ridden by an apprentice,” Hansen said.
“He really wants to win and that was a very good effort today.”
Bat A Kat has had bnne starts and never finished worse than second.
“If he can keep going up in distances the Queensland Guineas might be a race for him,” Hansen said.
“The three-year-old races in Brisbane are strong so the form should hold us.”
Winning jockey Michael Cahill was most impressed with Bat A Kat’s win.
“He really wants to win and that is always a plus,” Cahill said.