3 minute read
The owners of consistent juvenile filly Gold Bender have laid down the law to trainer Mark de Montfort for Sunday's $60,000 Carlton Mid Wellington Boot (1100m).
De Montfort, a former top Sydney jockey turned trainer, said on Friday he had reservations after Gold Bender drew wide in barrier 14 but the syndicate that race the daughter of Refuse To Bend were all but adamant she would take her place in the iconic feature.
“Most of the boys in the syndicate are all current policemen and they've planned a Wellington weekend for some time,” de Montfort said. “I'll have a talk to them over the weekend and do the form thoroughly but it looks like they all want to go.
“The Boot is generally a race where they go fast early. There looks to be a lot of early speed in the race.
“From out there (14), Matthew (Cahill) has some work to do. Anyway that's what you pay the good jockeys for. Hopefully he can get a sit just behind the speed.”
Gold Bender was got by the Gold Bender Racing syndicate headed by Ron Sheraton at a weanling sale for just $3000 and while still a maiden after four starts, the filly has won $13,140.
De Montfort asserted she has the best form of any two-year-old in the race.
“Just go through it. She's been placed twice and look at the horses she's met like Gai Waterhouse's Magic Millions runner-up No Looking Back and Flying Snitzel from the Gerald Ryan stable,” he said. “I've got no doubt she's got the strongest form in the race.
“And it's kind of a blessing she hasn't won yet because she gets in with 54 kilos.”
Gold Bender, out of the Geiger Counter mare Antonio's Gold, is coming off a long head second to Le Cap over 1100m at Gosford on March 13. Le Cap has been highly rated by trainer Tim Martin.
And while Gold Bender has proven erratic in a couple of her races, de Montfort is of the opinion Cahill's booking will prove vital.
“Matt is a left handed whip rider, that's the key,” de Montfort added. “We just need some luck from the alley. She's no super star but a very honest filly.
“She looks and has worked great. I couldn't be happier.”
