There were some outstanding performances on the weekend, and I’m sure as far as punters go there would have been no better winner than Carry Me Bluey. In a day where a lot of short priced favourites got rolled, Bluey stood tall and won like the good horse he is.
Carry Me Bluey is trained in Toowoomba by Norm Hilton who is also starting to get a very good reputation for himself with a really nice stable of horses. I asked Norm what he thought of the race and where the son of Carry The Flag would head to next. “We are very happy, Chris rode him a treat and it paid off. I think there is still some improvement (in the future). We will see how we go in the Bernborough (1615m- Doomben 31st December) then give him a little break and get him ready for the Autumn.”
Many ‘judges’ from the southern states thought Hilton was aiming to high when he travelled Poor Judge and Bold Glance. But we all know that they took them on and run terrific winning and placing in group races to leave some egg on some faces of the knockers, so I’m sure they will respect Carry Me Bluey a touch more… Or maybe not, as though don’t like to give the Brisbane horses much time!
Another of the Hilton stable to impress on Saturday was Grand Business who was excellent in the two year old race. He was only beaten 1.25L which is an excellent debut, and his trainer feels there is improvement in the colt. “He snuck under everyone’s radar. We knew he could gallop but we just hadn’t been able to trial because we were late to name him. We only got the card back Monday and got him passed at the barriers Tuesday.” Hilton said.
The plan with Grand Business is to run in the Bruce McLachlan Group 3 Two year old race on the 31st of December and try to make their way into the Magic Millions race with a win in that event. The step to 1200m will suit the horse perfectly and Norm said the jockey had trouble pulling the horse up after the finishing post on the weekend. He is a really exciting youngster who I am particularly keen to follow. If he draws a gate in the group 3 he will be very hard to beat.
Unfortunately Norocos has hit a little hurdle after running at the Gold Coat on Saturday and will most likely head to the paddock for a while. However Hilton did say he has a nice two year old in Bam’s Boy, so keep an eye out for that horse soon.
