News Article

Beven Heights eyes St Leger

29 / 03 / 2012 Article by: Editor
Beven Heights (Stephen Maskiell) storms home to defeat Naadji and Wallis in a BM78 over 2100m in Launceston
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CONSISTENT eight-year-old gelding Beven Heights will end a long and successful campaign in the $30,000 Tasmanian St Leger over 2100 metres at the TOTE Racing Centre in early May.

Beven Heights has a great record over the course and distance as evidenced by the gelding’s impressive win in a benchmark 78 on Wednesday night.

With Stephen Maskiell in the saddle, Beven Heights was allowed to settle just worse than midfield in a field of six but when the rider called on his charge to improve the gelding quickly put himself in a winning position nearing the home turn and then demolished his rivals over the concluding stages.

Beven Heights hit the line 1-1/2 lengths clear of race leader Naadji with the well-backed Wallis 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Beven Heights is trained by George Blacker who has been recuperating at home following hip replacement surgery and standing in for him on Wednesday night was his son Troy.

“This horse has such a great record over the 2100m and tonight he did exactly what we expected,” Troy Blacker said.

“We have our sights on the St Leger because that’s over this distance (2100m) and it is a weight-for-age race so he won’t be disadvantaged at the weights.”

“The horse has been racing in great form this time in and it would be great to finish his campaign with a win in the St Leger,” he said.

The David and Scott Brunton-trained Naadji gave a lot of cheek in front and should pick up a win in the near future while Wallis also will be aimed at the St Leger.