Niatross continues to stay the distance

RISING Dale Groves-trained stayer Niatross can push his case for a crack at Saturday grade at Doomben today.

Niatross scores at Clifford Park last year. Photo: Nev Madsen

RACING: Toowoomba galloper Niatross has been low flying of late, but trainer Dale Groves believes the best is yet to come.

The talented gelding is looking to continue his impressive preparation that has seen him yield a win and five placings from eight starts today at Doomben.

Niatross produced a career-best result over the course and distance (2200m) last month when claiming his first metropolitan win, and Groves believes that he will continue to improve as he matures.

“He’s flying. He’s a lovely horse and he’s only just maturing,” Groves said.

“He had a good preparation last time out and is still only a four-year-old.

“I’ve always thought he would get over a bit of distance. Early on I didn’t know what sort of horse he would be.”

“He placed over 1200m at Clifford Park but he always looked like he needed further and further,” he said.

“His last run at the Gold Coast over 2400m was impressive, and I think he’ll run even further. There’s not a lot of races over longer, so we’ve had a look interstate.

“Today he’s only a 69-rater in a Benchmark 80, so he’ll have to show something against this sort of company to be worthy of a Saturday race or coming up against those better horses interstate.”

The claim of Madeleine Wishart helps Niatross get into the event with just 52kg, and Groves is hoping that the young hoop can take advantage of a good barrier.

“He’ll jump from four and he should be able to get the run of the race on the fence,” he said.

“If he can let down with no weight, I think he’ll be hard to beat.”

Niatross made the trip north of the border after previously being trained by Kris Lees.

He failed to set the world alight in three runs over sprint trips, with one of Groves’ key backers taking the opportunity to add him to the stable.

“I virtually have all of my horses for owner Mario Di Carlo, and he’s looked brought a few ex-Kris Lees runners,” Groves said.

“It seems to be working out well. We were contemplating going to the Magic Millions, but we’ve done well buying tried horses and putting them in a bit weaker company.”

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