Adam Durrant has ruled a line through Real Love’s run in the Railway Stakes and says the Desert King mare will rebound strongly in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Durrant said Real Love had no chance to pick up ground against an on speed bias when she finished seventh, beaten 3 ¼ lengths, behind Sydney galloper Good Project in last fortnight’s Railway Stakes.
“It was one of the days when it was pretty difficult to make up ground and it was disappointing how the track played out,” Durrant said on Melbourne radio.
“But hit the line well and will keep on improving and importantly has come through the race unscathed.
“There were only a handful of horses picking up ground and she was one of them.”
Real Love is one of four runners for leviathan owner-breeder, Bob Peters, who holds a strong hand in the race with star filly Perfect Reflection, Neverland and Delicacy.
Gun young rider Chris Parnham, fresh from an Ascot treble last Saturday, will ride Real Love, replacing Damien Oliver who has opted to take the mount on German raider, Magic Artist.
Real Love, who won the Perth Cup (2400m) in January, commenced her campaign in brilliant fashion when she won the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) on October 31.
The daughter of Desert King, drawn in gate seven, is $7.50 with the TAB. Star filly Perfect Reflection holds favouritism at $3.80, Magic Artist is $4.
Delicacy at $5.50 and Black Heart Bart $9, the only other runners under single figures.
Consistent mare Balmont Girl, the best of the locals when third to Good Project and Messene in the Railway Stakes, received a boost with barrier two.
“It’s much easier to make a run from there than out the back of the field,” trainer Paula Wagg said.
“She is going very well and I can’t fault her preparation.
“Her work on the grass Tuesday morning was very impressive.”
Balmont Girl, to be ridden by Shaun O’Donnell, is looking to atone after her 10th placing to Moriarty in last year’s Kingston Town Classic.
The daughter of Balmont went into the race in top form after her win in the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and runner-up placing to Elite Belle in the Railway Stakes.
“It was a strange race because she was off the bit at the turn but then picked up and hit the line really strongly,” Wagg said.
“It was a difficult race to assess but in my mind she is going every bit as good as last year.”
Balmont Girl is $21 with the TAB.
O’Donnell is chasing his third win in the Kingston Town Classic after previous wins with Summer Beau (1996) and Luckygray (2012).
RWWA: Julio Santarelli