Magic man Darren Weir trains all his horses individually “and how he’s able to do that is amazing”

DARREN Weir’s go-to man Brad Rawiller gives an insight into the magic behind the Melbourne Cup-winning trainer.

Trainer Darren Weir and his loyal lieutenant Brad Rawiller with another trophy last year. Picture: Colleen Petch

DARREN Weir’s go-to man Brad Rawiller has given an insight into the magic behind the Melbourne Cup winning trainer and anticipates another multiple stakes winning day for Australia’s biggest stable on Saturday.

Rawiller won on Real Love at Doomben for Weir last week, but heads to Adelaide on Saturday where he rides Goodwood favourite Black Heart Bart for the stable.

In Brisbane, Weir has Rageese the early favourite for the Fred Best Classic after Rawiller piloted him to wins in Melbourne and Adelaide at his past two starts.

Weir hasn’t had the same exposure in Queensland as he has in Melbourne or Adelaide, but sunshine state fans saw a glimpse of his genius when Mahuta and Lucky Hussler won $1 million races on Magic Millions day this year.

Rawiller suggests Weir’s latest Queensland arrival Rageese is a Group 1 winner in the making.

“He couldn’t have been any more impressive. He has a real good turn of foot and he’s racing in great heart,” Rawiller said.

“He had gone off the boil before going to Darren and lost interest in his racing. He’s a happy horse now and only seems to be getting better. He will be a great chance in whatever he runs in.

“He’s a horse that will definitely be competitive (in a Group 1) and we would hope he can stand up and win one.”

Rawiller has won 54 races and $4.3 million for the Weir stable this season. The experienced rider is in awe of how Weir has total control of his huge team.

“There are a number of factors that lead to his success, starting with the fact he’s got a couple of training operations. The Ballarat facility is incredible in its own right and then you have Warrnambool where you’re off the racecourse and you can use the beach in an atmosphere away from the racetrack,” he said.

John Allen talks with trainer Darren Weir during their successful stint at the recent Warrnambool May Carnival. Picture: Colleen Petch.

“The other side of it now, with such a big team, he can work horses together and match them up really well. When you’ve only got 10 horses at different levels it’s hard to put them together to get confidence. Darren’s able to do that.

“It’s incredible how he knows all his horses. Not every horse is trained the same. They are all trained individually and how he’s able to do that is amazing.

“The set up allows him to keep horses at their top. He’s done it time and time again and it all comes back to horses being happy at home and in good spirits.”

Rawiller regards Black Heart Bart as “a huge, huge chance” in the Goodwood.

“He’s a horse that needs to build his momentum, so it’s a bit sticky being drawn on the inside in a big field, but I’d sooner be drawn in than out. I just have to make sure I get him in the clear when I have to,” he said.

The Darren Weir horse float is a familiar site at Lady Bay beach near Warrnambool. Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as Magic man Darren Weir trains all his horses individually “and how he’s able to do that is amazing”