Guy Walter was right though Craftiness ‘not there yet’

BLAKE Shinn and the late Guy Walter always had a huge opinion of Craftiness — and it was easy to see why after the horse led all the way for an easy win at Rosehill.

Blake Shinn , left, wins race 7 on Craftiness for Joe Pride during Rosehill Races. pic Mark Evans

BLAKE Shinn and the late Guy Walter had a huge opinion of Craftiness — and it was easy to see why after the horse led all the way at Rosehill.

Craftiness got one back for the punters when he saluted at short odds in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1100m) after the first two legs of the quaddie were blow-outs.

Now with Joe Pride, Craftiness made it four wins from five starts, with Pride admitting his speedster was likely to have one more city run before a let-up.

“He’s a nice horse, but he’s still immature, and he’s not there yet,’’ Pride said.

Blake Shinn pilots Craftiness to an easy victory. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s versatile and I still think he’s best when ridden off the pace. I’m reluctant to give instructions from outside barriers. Jockeys need to sum things up, Blake did that in the first furlong. Blake’s got a lot of confidence in this horse. He’s exciting, that’s for sure.’’

Shinn said of Craftiness: “It’s lovely to see him start to show what Guy always thought of him, and Joe Pride is doing a great job with him.

“He still did a lot wrong today, which is nice to know because you know you’ve got plenty to work with.

“All his races he’s won over the sprint trip, but I’m certain he’ll run 1200m.

“The pleasing part about today was he led, he made the transition to Saturday level, and it felt like he still had plenty more to give. He won as he liked in the end.’’

Craftiness was always going to start short after the scratching of Religify, the horse who handed him his only defeat last month.

Craftiness ($1.95 favourite) won by more than two lengths from Pro Consul ($31), with a short neck to Inside Job ($16).

Craftiness salutes again for Joe Pride. Picture: Mark Evans