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Gatty's successful run to continue at Sapphire Coast (Today)

3 minute read

The ladies will hold the aces for trainer Michael Gatty with three of his main chances at the Sapphire Coast on Thursday.

Gatty will start half of his 10-horse team and on recent figures he could well continue his run of success.

Apprentice jockey Jess Del Frari will ride last start winner Blue Glass ($2.90 favourite on TAB) in the Merimbula News Weekly Class 2 (1212m), while Julia Prentis will partner Gatty's other last start winner, Urjuwaan ($15) in the Eden Magnet Class 2 (1612m).

Gatty will also saddle up the in-form stable mainstay Gorush Lightning ($8) with Del Frari aboard in the Australian Community Media Benchmark 74 (1212m).

His only other two runners, Glamour Cruise (Jess Taylor, $26) and Buskers Rush (Matthew Cahill, $18), are also considered chances by their trainer on their best form.

"I'm really happy with all of my horses and Gorush Lightning and the two last start winners would be my best chances on how they have been going," he said.

"There are a lot of meetings coming up at the Sapphire Coast and Moruya over the next few months and my horses will primarily be racing at those tracks."

Gorush Lightning has won two of his past three starts and only opposes six rivals in a competitive race where the in-form last start winner Canzonet ($3.20) looms as one of the main threats.

One Aye ($2.70) is having her first start for a few months and has already won four of her nine starts and presents a serious threat. The mare has only been lightly raced and from barrier four will always be prominent.

Gatty feels race fitness, Del Frari's knowledge of Gorush Lightning and her three-kilogram claim will be a bonus. Gorush Lightning has won twice with Del Frari in charge, while the well performed galloper also has two victories to his credit at the Sapphire Coast.

The seven-year-old had his first start for four weeks when fourth last time out behind Proud Mia at Queanbeyan over 1000m. Gatty feels the extra distance is more suitable to Gorush Lightning.

"He had a break between starts and was only warming up late so the 1200 metres is more suitable," he said. "He is bred to go further, but his conformation doesn't allow him so we stick to the 1200 metre races if possible.

"I think he will be hard to beat in an easier race and over an extra 200 metres."

Bargain buy Blue Glass has been extremely consistent for Gatty with a win, two seconds and two thirds from her past five starts. She has more than paid back her $1000 purchase price earning over $43,000.

"One of the owners John Johnson bought her as a foal for $1000 so she has more than done her job," he explained. "She had been running seconds and thirds in Class 3 races and when she dropped back to a Class 1 last start she was able to lead from a wide gate and win her second race.

"She was able to lead after 200 metres and had their measure. She had trained on well and I can't fault how she is going."

One of the main dangers is Big Steve ($4.40) who has two recent wins to his credit for jockey Michael Travers at Moruya and Queanbeyan. Big Steve has finished second at his only two appearances at the Sapphire Coast and trainer Anita Walder is expecting his recent strong form to continue.

"He is going to maybe have to do it a bit tougher from a wide gate, but it's a wide open track and he has raced well there so far," Walder said. "He has been a good earner for myself and his owners who are mainly farmers and shearers and have a good time watching him race."

Urjuwaan won her first race at her 11th start at Queanbeyan last time out and despite the jump in grade, Gatty feels the daughter of super sire Snitzel has more to offer. The five-year-old won narrowly over 1600m at big odds and is another strong chance for Gatty and his fellow owners who also race Gorush Lightning.

"It has taken a while for the penny to drop with her and she is suited to a mile and further even though her breeding doesn't suggest that," he said.


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