Melinda Boothby is still smiling after Blackbriar delivered her first metropolitan victory at Morphettville last Saturday.
Blackbriar, the reigning NT Horse of the Year and the star of the Boothby stable, produced a dashing display to win the $50,000 feature event of the Adelaide program over a mile with apprentice Nathan Rose aboard.
"That was awesome, he's done a super job," a delighted Boothby said post-race.
Boothby, who is setting up a base in Alice Springs when she returns north, looks set to run Blackbriar again this Saturday.
The six-year-old has been given top-weight of 61kg for the $34,000 ACG Security Handicap (1550m) at Morphettville's Parks track.
* * * * TERRITORY speedsters Canali and The Soldier will go head to head in the $125,000 Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
The Listed event has drawn a red-hot field with the NT duo joined by Grand Duels, First Command, Obsidian Dragon, Gran Sasso and Esprit De Bullet, having his first start for Mick Price.
Run under set weight plus penalty conditions, Canali received 58kg and will be partnered for the first time by Danny Nikolic. Leading Darwin trainer Stephen Brown had to find a new rider after Stephen Baster left Melbourne last week to start his riding contract in Singapore.
Canali drew barrier six, while The Soldier came up with barrier 10 for the run down the famous Flemington straight.
In important news for The Soldier, in-form jockey Michael Walker returns to the saddle, replacing apprentice Daniel Stackhouse.
Walker was the man aboard when the Red Centre speedster won at Flemington in December.
* * * * MASTER horseman David Bates was a candidate for the happiest man at Fannie Bay last Saturday following the impressive victory by his charge Rogue Warrior.
"He's the loveliest horse, but he's about the hardest horse in the world to train," Bates said. "He's got some sort of structural default he was born with, so this is the greatest thing seeing him win a race. He gives you grief more often than not, but I love training him and love seeing him win a race."
Bates was also effusive in his praise of jockey Jan Cameron, who rated Rogue Warrior to absolute perfection.
* * * * TOP End horse racing identity Justin Coleman had a day to remember on Saturday.
Coleman celebrated four winners as an owner with St Gabriel breaking through for a first career success at Morphettville before three at the Bay.
Rogue Warrior kick-started proceedings in Darwin, followed by Buzlightning and finally Brinkley Boy, who proved he can get further than 1000m by taking out the last race over 1100m.
* * * * STAYING on the owners theme and Troy Walsh's wife Debra also enjoyed a win when Miss Debra was successful in Saturday's Sportingbet Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville.
Trained by her father Paul Seater at Murray Bridge, Miss Debra was given a lovely ride by apprentice Scott Westover to take her record to four wins from nine starts.
* * * * UNTIL next week,Back a winner.
Story courtesy of Gregor Mactaggart, NT News
