LUKE Griffith started a busy Tuesday at Tamworth with a bonus win when Sutton Bailey won the Like Us On Face Book 3YO Maiden (1200m) and was going to chase Cup success at both Coffs Harbour and Muswellbrook today and Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However the Scone trainer has cancelled his Coffs Harbour trip, scratching Bouzy Rouge from the Cup and Star Of Dubai from the Daniel Baker Memorial Sprint.
Bouzy Rouge drew wide in barrier 15.
“I’ll take her to Sydney on Saturday with Texan Lad,” he said.
“There’s only 10 in her race down there.
“It’ a shame, I was looking forward to going over.”
Griffith, just back from his first squizz at a Darwin Cup Carnival, didn’t arrive in time to see three-year-old Sutton Bailey, a daughter of Youthful Legs, run down race leader Bella Vixen (Ray Hartley) for a three quarter length win at Tamworth on Tuesday.
It was her first success in four starts.
Ben Looker was the winning jockey and he told stable representative and strapper, Matthew Campbell, the filly had plenty of improvement left.
“She’s still learning,” Looker said.
“When she matures she’s going to be a nice little horse.”
Matthew Campbell said the filly had been working well.
He’s been working for Luke Griffith for three years and enjoying a successful stint that has seen the stable win two Hunter and North Racing Association and two Country training titles.
“Luke’s flying back from Darwin; should be here later,” Matthew Campbell said after Sutton Bailey’s breakout win.
Griffith, who won his second successive NSW Country trainers’ premiership last week, might have cancelled his Coffs Cup trip but will be in Muswellbrook for Sunday’s Saddle Up Sunday meeting and the $25,000 Bengalla Cup.
He has both Star Of Dubai and Double Halo nominated for that race.
Yesterday Star Of Dubai received 56.5kg while Double Halo, who won the Cattlemen’s Cup at Warren at his last start, has the 59kg topweight.
“I was going to put Vad (Bolozhinskyi) on but he’s riding Eanie Meanie,” Griffith said.
“I might put Sam Clenton on and claim as well but I haven’t had any luck with her.”