3 minute read
When Dubbo’s Brett Robb planned a riding introduction to his new stable addition Majority, he got a lot more than he bargained for.
"She threw me big time, hardly into the saddle when I was on my backside and she was on her way," Brett chuckled amidst a career-best season as his rejuvenated Majority, sacked by Kris Lees, takes on prolific series winner Terry Robinson stablemates in a Kensington Track TAB $100,000 Class 3, 1400m Highway on Saturday.
At the time of his tumble, to think she'd win successive recent races at Tamworth was far-fetched for Dubbo-based Brett, as Majority carries 54kg for in-form Winona Costin on the "Kenso" on Saturday.
And Brett is in a similar vein of form with a recent treble at Dubbo, 24 winners so far this season, and an outstanding 18% winning strike rate.
"This mare was just a headstrong nerve case; big and strong - we knew she was going to be hard work.
"You couldn't turn your back on her either - a bit nasty. I know why she's been moved on," added Brett, who promptly rang his dad, country racing great Rodney Robb.
Dad said, 'You've got to stand over her now she's had a victory over you, then be patient and cuddle her and they often come out the other side'."
And come out the other side, Majority sure did. The Sebring four-year-old won a double at Tamworth over 1200m and 1400m, closing strongly and running time.
"Just a different mare - we just persevered, she was also a wind sucker but no gear changes at all.
"She just settled in at the stables around other horses. And then worked like a winner - I'll tell you. I mean she three from eight. And four years the upside is there."
Brett has his riding tactics all but settled before he reinforces with Costin who has been riding numerous provincial winners for the Waterhouse and Bott stable.
"That's why we put her on, her confidence is way up. This mare resents being inside horses, so drawn wide is no real disadvantage.
"Better than inside in a big field. We'll ride her midfield, hope for cover and clear air if she's good enough."
And while Majority is up in grade from Tamworth, Brett is upbeat.
"No disrespect but I've seen harder Highways, mares generally hold their form and I know she'll be strong at 1400m."
Majority was purchased by Merriwa farmer Paul Frampton and his wife Belinda, well known for substantial spending at the yearling and tried horse sales, state-wide.
"She'd only won a maiden at Merriwa for Paul and when he sent her to me we'd planned for a Louth Cup.
"But when she started to come good, I said to Paul, we can go a lot further than a Louth Cup - believe me."
In opening TAB markets in a wide betting race, Majority is $6 (in from $7) behind the Robinson favourite King's Trust ($4.80).
A big watch is Pay The Deeler ($14) off a recent Sandown placing for wily Jerilderie trainer Phil Sweeney, who rarely comes to Sydney and reunites with an airborne Tyler Schiller.
The Kensington Track is currently rated a Soft 7 but should be upgraded with fine, warm weather forecast for the remainder of the week.
