Everything’s just Perfect, says Ray, after super training session for Breeders’ Crown Final
By Barry Lichter • 21 August 2019
A “super” training run this morning has given trainer Ray Green plenty of confidence that Perfect Stride will be competitive in Saturday night’s A$300,000 Breeders’ Crown Two-year-old Final at Melton.
Driven by host trainer Craig Demmler, Perfect Stride worked over a mile and Green loved the way he ran to the line, happy that he is now perfectly primed for the 2240 metre final.
“Craig thought it was very good work and said he felt like he’d improved with last Saturday’s run,” says Green.
“I’m confident he’ll go well. I couldn’t say I’m overly confident he’ll beat them but all things being fair and equal I think he’ll be right there. He’s certainly ready to go. He looks well.”
Green says only time will tell whether the colt is up to beating Emma Stewart’s powerful team, especially hot favourite Be Happy Mach, drawn on the outside of the second row. But he knows from previous experience just how lucky he was to get the pole position with Perfect Stride.
Two years ago Green lined up the inexperienced King Of Swing in the Breeders’ Crown Final, drew the ace, and led all the way, downing Emma Stewart’s Poster Boy who had to make a big looping run round the field from his second row draw.
Not that Green wants Perfect Stride to lead - his semifinal win last week underlined just how much the colt loafed in front when he was nearly caught on the post.
“Anthony (Butt) will be able to adjust how he drives him. I don’t need to tell him anything - he knows what to do - but I imagine it will just be a question of handing up to the right one.
“I don’t know what will happen in the first 150 metres but plenty will want to lead. That lot are all on-pace runners and they’ll be round pretty quickly. I can’t see them sitting back and coming late.”
In Perfect Stride, Green doesn’t have the big, powerful colt that was King Of Swing.
“He was a much stronger individual but he lacked the speed of this fella. He can really sprint quickly if he gets cover.”
Zeuss Bromac … big mover from $10 to $4 second favourite.One horse whom he could trail is Zeuss Bromac, who has been the big mover in the market, in from $10 to $4 second favourite, after his late closing third in the semis and drawing gate four.
Green has seen more of Zeuss Bromac than most, given he is trained out of Lincoln Farms’ Pukekohe stable by its No. 1 driver Zachary Butcher, but he is reluctant to make a call on who’s the better horse.
“I wouldn’t single one out, I don’t think there’s much between them to be honest.
“Stride is more professional now, more tractable. There’s nothing wrong with the other guy either other than he lacks a bit of experience.
“It’s just great to get them both here, and trucking.
“All is looking good for them - their draws, their condition. I’m very happy with mine, he’s on top of his game and is really feeling good.”
Perfect Stride races at 11pm NZ time at Melton on Saturday night.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Wave
4.58pm
“We backed off him after he was gelded but he’s in good shape and I think he’ll go quite well. He may need a race but he’s still classy enough to get the job done if he gets the right trip from four.”
Race 3: Sugar Ray Lincoln
5.54pm
“He’s dropping down in grade again and, subject to no dramas from his awkward inside draw, you have to consider him a serious chance. I’m very happy to have Carter on board, he’s an experienced driver now, and it’s a winnable race for him.”
Race 5: Timmy Lincoln
6.48pm
“He’s a beautiful, big American Ideal colt who showed quite a lot early on. It’s his first time off the place and first time at Alex Park, so it will all be new to him but he feels like he’s got a little bit of speed and hopefully he’ll do things right.”
Race 9: Copy Ten Four
8.54pm
“He’s a strong horse and his training has been much improved since his last race which seems to have woken him up. Right-handed is still an issue for him though - he doesn’t get the corners as well - but other than that, he’s a serious chance.”
