Racing
Blacker holds the aces in Hobart features
Boom youngster Aristopolos could add further value to his worth when he contests the $125,000 Listed Kevin Sharkie Elwick Stakes (1100m) in Hobart on Sunday.
Unbeaten from two appearances so far, his trainer, John Blacker, confirmed an offer was made and rejected after his first start.
Although there is just a minute sample of 2yo's so far, Aristopolos looks a clear stand out and has overcome difficulties to win both times.
At his two runs in Launceston, he has drawn barrier one which has been more of a hinderance than a help. On Sunday he has drawn barrier nine in a field of nine.
"At home when he works against the older horses who have won races, he plays with them, his last bit of work was Thursday morning and he pulled up really good," Blacker said.
"I know he's drawn awkward; he has had barrier one both times and we've probably tried to ride him too forward and he's got himself into trouble and you with think drawn outside he would go forward slowly and if we balance him up, I think the long straight will suit."
His jockey Erica Byrne Burke agrees.
"Barrier one is probably a disadvantage for this horse. He can be slow away and get himself into trouble so I'm not too concerned about the barrier, hopefully we will jump, roll forward and keep it as simple as we can and hopefully it all works out," Byrne Burke said.
"He has a very good turn of foot and hopefully we see the best of him on Sunday."
With almost $90,000 in the bank already and seemingly plenty more to come, Aristopolos is turning into a bargain buy.
"I don't think we paid a lot for him, $60,000. After his first start we did get a call from Coolmore to purchase him to go to Hong Kong, the money was good, but we rejected the offer," Blacker confirmed.
"If he can win some good races I think someone will probably target him. He doesn't have to go to Victoria; he can stay here and do the same as Mazzini is doing as a 3yo."
Blacker will also saddle up the favourite in the other feature of the day, the $75,000 Winning Edge Presentations Thousand Guineas (1600m).
"She has done really well since her last run."
Although beaten in Launceston last week, Blacker was far from disappointed with the filly, and she heads back to Hobart, where she is unbeaten from three starts.
The first race is timed for 13:10. All the action on Tasracing Live with Matt Reid and Colin Mcniff.
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