Leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir is set to launch a three-pronged attack on Saturday’s VRC-CRV Winter Championship Series Heat 6 (1400m) at Flemington, and is hopeful above anything his runners will take valuable condition from the competitive hit-out.
Lord Of Brazil is one of three runners for Darren Weir Saturday’s VRC-CRV Winter Championship Series Heat 6 and Flemington. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Veteran Lord Of Brazil was unable to make anything of his racing return at Swan Hill three weeks ago, and the Warrnambool horseman believes he will need Saturday’s run to find competitive condition.
“He needs racing. He’s still a long way off being where we want him,” Weir told Racing Ahead.
“The main thing is he’s sound at the moment but hasn’t done a lot of hard work. He needs some racing to bring him on.”
Academy Jack will undoubtedly need luck in running in the VRC-CRV Winter Champions Series Heat 6 if to figure from barrier 14, but Weir is confident he is a chance of a first three finish should the Flemington course experience rain in the days leading up to jump.
“He won well at the Valley in a weaker sort of race and had every chance at Flemington and wasn’t good enough,” he said.
“Hopefully there’s a bit of give in the ground for him, that’s probably what he’s looking for now and if he can get that he might be a place chance.
“I’m not sure what will happen but we’ll just have to see how the track’s racing with what we do.”
Undoubtedly the class horse of the three to be saddled by Weir in the VRC-CRC Winter Championship Series Heat 6, Castlzeberg has been unable to find competitive form over two starts this time, but capped a standout New Zealand debut campaign with success in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) and a credible third in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).
“He’s a nice type of horse,” Weir said.
“He’s had two or three jump-out and has found the line alright in them.
“He’s sound, well and done plenty of miles and he’s ready to go to the races and have a looks.”
Academy Jack ($13) is rated the best of Weir’s chances in the VRC-CRV Winter Championship Heat 6 at Ladbrokes ahead of Castlzeberg ($21) and Lord Of Brazil ($41).
