Trainer Russell Bell is confident that stable star Sirbible will relish the conditions of the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) and will prove extremely tough to beat at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Sirbible will return to black type company in Saturday’s Listed Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
A well-travelled veteran of Australian racing, Sirbible has posted eleven wins and a further eight minors through twenty-six career starts; competing in races from his former home in Alice Springs to the country’s top-end, South Australia and Victoria.
Confident that the horse is in prime condition ahead of what will be his first appearance in New South Wales, Bell told AAP he believes Sirbible will produce his best under the conditions of the Razor Sharp Handicap.
“The travel doesn’t worry him and he’s been up there for a couple of weeks so he’s settled in,” Bell said.
“He’s been on the water walker, he’s put on a bit of weight and his gallop on Saturday at Hawkesbury was pretty good.
“He’s been a great horse and he hasn’t finished yet either.
“I’ve always said he’ll get better with time. He seems to be matured now. He’ll get better as he goes through this prep too I think.”
Country hoop Robbie Brewer has been confirmed to take the ride on Sirbible in the Razor Sharp Handicap; another point that Bell believe will play into the horse’s strengths.
“He’s the sort of horse that you want somebody on who knows him,” Bell said.
“Robbie probably doesn’t get too many opportunities in town but he’s the right bloke for the job.”
Returning to the paddock after winning the Adelaide Galvanising BM90 (1200m) at Morphettville on January, Sirbible resumed in April for a typically-smart win in the McDonald’s Alice Springs Stakes (1200m).
Progressing to a credible fifth in the Pioneer Sprint (1200m) at Alice Springs a fortnight later, the God’s Own gelding was clearly out of his depth when he beat only one runner home in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) on May 21st and was sent to the paddock after failing to fire and tenth in the A Sheppard Constructions Handicap (1250m) on May 28th.
Resuming this time for success in 55 Second Challenge (955m) on November 11th, Sirbible was last seen placing seventh in the Montmorency Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley on November 26th.
