3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Hi Stranger claims the Neds Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Hi Stranger (D Thornton/S Fliedner) - $2.50 fav
2nd: Barade (D Bates/A Alexander) - $14
3rd: No Effort (J Richards/G Bedggood) - $3.70
Winning Time: 1:xx.xx Last 600m: n/a
Margins: ½-Head x ½-Head
Another win for Hi Stranger.
— Racing.com (@Racing) August 14, 2021
Barade was terrific first-up from a spell. @MelbRacingClub @_damienthornton pic.twitter.com/mug542uSlT
Winning Trainer: Shane Fliedner
More work in that win: "It didn't quite pan out the way we thought. We had it worked out last time and we thought we might have been running third, but it was keener to get there than we were so we had to come back a spot. He gave them a little bit of ground and probably was in not the worst going, but not as fast going down the centre, but anyhow he got the job done. He's a tough little bugger and he keeps trying."
Ticks another box with adaptability: "He's got a few things to do yet. I don't know whether we can squeeze anymore out of him but I think we'll stick at the mile at the moment and see how we go."
Mention after Valley win the JRA Cup: "We've got a few options to let us know (whether he can get there) or not. I think in a fortnight there might be a 2000-metre here and in three weeks there a 2000-metre at The Valley. I'm sure we'll know then."
Winning Jockey: Michael Dee
Getting on consistent horses: "He jumped much better today but I was probably a pair further back than I wanted with the two that kicked-up inside me. I didn't expect them to have the speed, but that's racing and anything can happen. He relaxed really well for me today, much better than he did at The Valley and is looking for something a little bit further which is something I didn't think I would say. I thought he was a dead-set miler, but he may be ready for 2000 (metres) at some point soon."
Can take step up in class: "I think so. He's probably earned his right to step up in grade and in a 2000-metre race at some point in the near future. He's going well, the horse is full of confidence and when they're like this they can keep running well."
How good is the surface: "Really good. It's a bit weird riding on a Good 4 track at this time of year, you're not used to it. In summer it would be perfect, it's perfect now. It's a good deck, the track staff have done well and hopefully it continues to play well."
