Nine-year-old galloper set for success in Alice Springs

Veteran galloper Riahgrand has an exceptional first-up record from a spell and will look to continue that tomorrow at Pioneer Park in the Office National BMNT Handicap over 1000 metres.

Terry Huish with the horse Not Abandoned.

Veteran galloper Riahgrand has an exceptional first-up record from a spell and will look to continue on Saturday at Pioneer Park in the Office National BMNT Handicap over 1000 metres.

The 9-year-old has not gone to the races since May of last year but from its six first-up starts, Riahgrand has recorded three wins, a second and a third.

The Staaraq by Al Riahd gelding did not taste success in its last preparation, but was in the placing’s three of its four starts.

Riahgrand’s trainer Terry Huish said it was a simple equation — the horse just likes being fresh.

Huish said the $167,855 stakes winner missed some work during last month’s heavy rain but was confident he would feature prominently.

“It probably needs the run but it really likes being fresh,” Huish said.

“It is got a really good first up record from a spell.

“We will be out to win if we can.

“If Riahgrand is on his day, he should go well.”

Riahgrand has had 44 career starts for 10 wins and 12 minor placing’s and will be piloted by jockey Brendon Davis tomorrow.

The consistent gelding meets a strong field in the third and feature race at Pioneer Park tomorrow at 4 35pm.

The Mark Nyhan trained Lucerne Vale has not been outside the placing’s in its last nine starts and will pose a serious threat.

In the small field of five, the Leanne Gillett trained Concini, the also first-up Sea Gem and Greg Connor’s Solitary Bird will meet Lucerne Vale and Riahgrand much better in the weights and could spring a surprise.

Huish was also bullish about his mount in the Fox Furniture Sleepworld Handicap over 1200 metres, Hawk Hunter.

The fellow 9-year-old won over the same distance two starts back at Pioneer Park in December and Huish said he should be around the mark again.

“Hawk Hunter is going as good as ever in his work,” Huish said.

“It is in win with a good chance.”

Meanwhile, a number of previously interstate based horses will have their first starts in the Red Centre tomorrow and if the last meeting at the track is anything to go by, they could be a strong winning chance.

The former NSW galloper Pherenice trained by Will Savage won by six lengths while the Lefoe’s trained Noel’s Dream also scored an emphatic win on debut on the final race of the card a fortnight ago.

Racing starts at 3:17pm tomorrow afternoon Pioneer Park with a five race card.