Brad Rawiller pumped for Black Heart Bart’s tilt at Stradbroke

BRAD Rawiller says any more improvement in Black Heart Bart will make him a formidable chance in Saturday’s $1.5m Stradbroke at Eagle Farm.

Brad Rawilller is excited about Black Heart Bart’s chances in the Stradbroke Handicap. Picture: Annette Dew

BRAD Rawiller says there was a world of difference between the Black Heart Bart he won on at Caulfield and the one that outclassed his rivals in the Goodwood and any more improvement will make him a formidable chance in Saturday’s $1.5 million Stradbroke.

Rawiller had Black Heart Bart’s destiny in his own hands when he was given the responsibility of choosing the WA star’s barrier on Wednesday.

Rawiller picked up the replica trophy, took a look at the number underneath and gave half a nod of approval before revealing he would start from gate 10.

“I was hoping for inside 10, but with all the pace, that will give me options, so I’m pretty comfortable with that,” Rawiller said.

The Victorian, who has made a couple of successful hit-and-run raids already at this carnival, has key rides in the Stradbroke, Derby (Howard Be Thy Name) and Brisbane Cup (Real Love) for the all-conquering Darren Weir stable on Saturday.

He first rode Black Heart Bart when winning the Victoria Handicap in April before reuniting with him in the Goodwood in Adelaide.

“He was definitely better in the Goodwood and that’s still setting aside the fact it was short of his best distance,” Rawiller said. “Going back to 1200m didn’t prove a hindrance on the day. He had a good turn of foot and it was an outstanding win.

“He arrived up here in good order and I don’t think he’s gone backwards since then.”

Black Heart Bart is the 58kg topweight on Saturday, up from the 53.5kg he had last year, but Rawiller said he’s a superior horse now.

Black Heart Bart charges to victory in the Goodwood at Morphettville. Picture: Atkins Photography

“He’s got it for a reason. He’s in form and I’m not worried about him carrying 58kg, but I’m respectful of the fact there’s some good horses you’re giving weight to,” he said.

“His form suggests he’s a better horse now (than last year). His Newmarket and All Aged runs were both outstanding as well.”

The jockey tipped Howard Be Thy Name to be better suited at Eagle Farm, getting back to 2400m after he had to come back in distance last time.

“When he came off the 55-day break at Pakenham he was quite heavy and carrying a lot of excess weight.

“We were just hoping for a good run and it surprised us all by how he won. Knowing how much he had to improve it was exciting and he’s lived up to that,” he said. “He was set for the Adelaide Derby and showed he’s still in good form with his Grand Prix run.

“You’d think he would surely be better suited at Eagle Farm than Doomben.”

Rawiller said Real Love continues to thrive and he’s also giving a sneaky chance to his J.J. Atkins ride Jaws Of Steel for Robbie Laing.

Brad Rawiller has formed a good association with Black Heart Bart.

Originally published as Brad Rawiller pumped for Black Heart Bart’s tilt at Stradbroke