Trainer Bryce Heys has been thrilled with the condition taken by Boston Light from his competitive debut three weeks ago, and is confident the exciting colt is a winning chance in Saturday’s Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) down the famous Flemington straight.
Craig Williams will partner Boston Light in Saturday’s Danehill Stakes. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Boston Light played up in the gates prior to the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on August 22nd, but jumped reasonably well and was settled within the field of ten over the back straight and approaching the turn.
Rounding onto the final straight blocked for a run and with plenty to do, Boston Light was unable to overcoming a tricky racing position, but attacked the line well for a credible fifth behind Well Sprung.
Heys has been thrilled with the way the Fastnet Rock colt has taken to work through the last three weeks and while lamenting what could have been at Moonee Valley first-up, is confident the horse is capable of matching it with a talented field in the 2015 Danehill Stakes.
“We’ll run one and the horse that’s had the preparation to do so and has had his target race as the Danehill is the colt Boston Light,” Heys told Racing Ahead.
“Ideally we’ll sneak into the field there on Saturday because we’re really happy with him.
“Nothing went right for him last start but a wise man once told me just to play this game with an even keel and those were the cards we were dealt.
“We’ve been desperate to get him back to the races and the three weeks haven’t gone quick enough to be honest and we look forward to Saturday with great anticipation.
“I think his coat has come on really well and he’s improved as he has needed to. It’s a really good competitive race and it will give us a guide to where we want to be by the end of the spring.
“He came down here for six days the first time we’d really done anything with him and he was really impressive in his trial up the straight.
“He’s a lightly raced horse but he’s had plenty of work and we’ve been patient with him … we’ve certainly had this race in mind for quite some time.
“There won’t be too many excuses going into Saturday.”
Boston Light has been included in nominations for the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) in October, but is yet to be set for any race beyond the Danehill Stakes.
The 2015 Danehill Stakes final field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
