Darby Racing is optimistic about their chances of success at Kembla and Grafton on Thursday, with runners entered in both locations.Darby Racing is optimistic about their chances of success at Kembla and Grafton on Thursday, with runners entered in both locations. The leading syndicator has experienced a lull in wins over the past three months, but they believe a resurgence could be on the horizon. Annabel Neasham’s Scoundrel, a Pierata son, impressed connections with his third-place debut at Newcastle. He is considered a strong contender in the Maiden Handicap (1300m) at Kembla. Darby believes Scoundrel’s determination and untapped potential make him a promising prospect. Neasham and Darby also have hopes for Spirit Ridge in the Grafton Cup. The gelding previously placed third in the race and is renowned for his consistency. Despite an unsatisfactory run in the Tatt’s Cup, Spirit Ridge is expected to perform well on the drying track in Grafton. Darby sees Spirit Ridge as a valuable asset to his owners and believes he can secure a victory in the Grafton Cup.
Darby Racing is confident it can deliver another winning run at Kembla and Grafton on Thursday.
The leading syndicator has runners in Kembla and Grafton and could well produce a few winners.
“We were averaging about 10 winners a month earlier this season, but the last three months have been pretty quiet. We’ve only averaged about three winners a month,” Darby said.
“We have some good chances at Kembla and Grafton and it could be the start of a good winning run.”
The Annabel Neasham-trained Scoundrel surprised his connections when he finished third behind Bitten By Barry on his debut at Newcastle almost three weeks ago.
The son of Pierata looks hard to beat in the Maiden Handicap (1300m).
“We bought him at the Ready To Race sale last year and in the hurdles we were very disappointed as he ran one of the fastest breeze-ups,” said Darby.
“We thought this guy would sprint early and then do a mile.
“When he didn’t show at the trials that he is a sprinter, we didn’t know what to expect from his first start.
“If you look at his mother, you can see that it is a European middle-distance family and we were completely ready for his debut.
“He showed the ability we saw in the breeze-up and I think he is a beautiful horse in the making.
“One of the things we liked about his run was the determination he showed. He put his ears back and had a crack.
“He’s still learning his trade and will continue to improve, but this looks like a really nice race for him.”
Darby and Neasham also compete in the Grafton Cup with the experienced gelding Spirit Ridge.
The gelding was unsuitable when he was penned up behind runners at the final start of the Tatt’s Cup at Eagle Farm.
“He was third in this race last year and I would love to win a Grafton Cup with him,” said Darby.
“He’s a great money machine for his owners. He’s going up nine and keeps stepping up every preparation. He’s a very sound horse and with the track drying up it’s perfect for him.
“He raced great but he didn’t have as many patterns as in his last few runs.
“I think he will either take the lead or sit outside the lead, so that will suit him better.”
