3 minute read
Victorian rider Liam Riordan landed a double at the Launceston meeting on Wednesday night for Longford trainer John Blacker courtesy of a ride-of-the-night aboard Southern Wind in the Become a TTC Member 1620-metre maiden and he delivered aboard Page in the 7tas benchmark 60 handicap over 2150 metres.
In Brief
- Southen Wind makes up for luckless fourth at previous start.
- Riordan gets most from his rides for Blacker.
- Page to be aimed at Longford Cup.
Riordan allowed Southern Wind to settle just worse than midfield and 600m out he was already travelling like the winner, but he stayed patient, and when he did release the brakes 450m out, the grey gelding quickly gathered in the leaders and went on to score comfortably.
"We were traveling well a long way out and when I went for him the gaps came and he won well," Riordan said.
Blacker was confident pre-race and told the rider to be patient.
"They went silly up front, as they do for some reason when the rail is out on this track, and that suited our horse," Blacker said.
"The horse was beaten less than a length in a maiden-class one at his last start when the rider went a bit too early, but he whacked away.
"Dropping back to a mile maiden better suited him and Liam (Riordan) gave him the run of the race."
It was a similar scenario with Page that settled a clear last but with a lapful of horse under him. Riordan released the reins and the in-for mare sprinted past the opposition and went on to win by three lengths from Gee Gee Enuf Speed and Ashmania.
Riordan allowed Page to settle three lengths off the last horse and when the leaders set a cracking pace, he was content to sit back and wait for things to unfold.
About 500m from home Riordan sent his mare around the field and when she hit the front at the top of the straight, she careered away and won by three lengths.
"I was watching the race and I knew 1200m from home that she would win the way they were clapping on the speed up front.
"She has struck good form and I reckon a Longford Cup would be a nice race for her."
"The mare is going great, and she won just as well tonight carrying 5-1/2 kilogram more than she carried to win last start. It was a great effort," Riordan said.
The rider is hoping to return during the Tassie carnival.
"I've been trying to spread my wings a bit to get my name out there and it's been good here in Tassie and I'd love to come and rider during the carnival over the summer," the rider said.
