David Harrison admits Gemma’s Son can’t afford another slow start, but if the cards fall his way, he’s confident the classy colt is the horse to beat in Saturday’s Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m).
Harrison was thrilled with Gemma’s Son’s last run and says if he didn’t lose a length when the field jumped, he would have gone close to knocking off pacesetter Long Beach two weeks ago.
After a 56-day let-up, the Snippetson three-year-old mustered speed to settle midfield on the fence and ran the race out tenaciously for third behind Long Beach and runner-up Miss Conteki.
Harrison, a dual winner of the Beaufine Stakes, has removed the blinkers and added a visor to the gear of Gemma’s Son, who will be ridden by Kyra Yuill for the first time.
Gemma’s Son renews hostilities with Long Beach and Miss Conteki , but Harrison is bullish the visor change will help swing the pendulum back in his favour
“He’s the one to beat on his last run,” Harrison told The Races WA.
“If he didn’t miss the kick, he probably beats them home.
“He missed the start and ran right up to them, running 33.05sec. for the last 600m.
“I’m confident with the visors he will jump cleanly.
“He’s trained on well, is fit and carries less weight.
“I reckon he’s the horse they all have to beat.
“I couldn’t be any happier with him.”
Ever since he was bought for a modest sum at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, Gemma’s Son has been a marvel for Harrison.
With prizemoney and bonuses, he is rapidly approaching $1 million after recording seven wins and five placings from 18 career starts.
Gemma’s Son has drawn barrier six in the Beaufine Stakes. He’s currently rated $8 in Tabtouch markets.
Miss Conteki is the $3.10 favourite. Stable mate Amasenus is next at $4.
Nerodio ($5) and Long Beach ($8) are the other runners under double figures.
Harrison says Gemma’s Son often goes under the radar.
“I think sometimes he is the forgotten horse,” Harrison said.
“Some people don’t seem to rate him that high.
“He’s been amazing for $20,000.
“He tries his heart out in every race.
“I would love a stable all like him.”
Gemma’s Son carries 55.5kg in the Beaufine, 1.5kg less than his previous run.
Harrison won consecutive Beaufine Stakes with Settle Strada (2013) and Pininci (2014).
Julio Santarelli