Trainer playing guessing game with new recruit
Michael Daly is certain Ballybay will give a good sight at the Phar Lap Raceway on Friday, but he’s unsure for how long.
The Washdyke trainer has recently taken charge of the former North Island sprinter and will know a lot more about the Sandtrap gelding after his southern debut in the Supreme Equine Feeds Handicap (1200m).
“He’s an unusual horse – he’s won seven races and they’ve all been over 1000m,” Daly said.
“The 1200m is the question mark.
“I’ve only had him a fortnight so we’re still learning, but I expect the pace to be on and he’ll be up there. We’ll just have to see how he copes in the last furlong (200m).
Formerly trained at Woodville by Shane Brown, Ballybay hasn’t raced since he tailed the field home in an open handicap at New Plymouth earlier this month.
“He has settled in well here and had a good blow after he galloped on Tuesday,” Daly said.
“I’m pleased with him, but he can be a bit temperamental and he’s a funny horse to ride – you can’t argue with him, he just gets his head up so you have to go with him.”
Ballybay will be partnered by the experienced Kylie Williams and they will jump from barrier seven.
“He doesn’t like being among other horses, apparently, and he’s got a good draw so he should be able to end up on the outside,” Daly said.
“He doesn’t like really heavy ground so he’s going to get a track to suit him as well.”