Racing
Comfort Me a 'ripper' for Radford
Trainer Rhys Radford has learnt to never underestimate Comfort Me.
The rising nine-year-old is a marvel, who has rarely, if ever, let him down.
He's won eight races, including one at Group 3 level, holds three Group 1 seconds in the Railway Stakes and has pocketed $1.6 million in prizemoney.
Comfort Me will look to build on that record in Saturday's star-studded Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m) at Belmont, the first big race of the winter season.
The challenge is daunting enough on talent alone, with the likes of West Star and Western Empire and even more so when you're dealt a horror barrier draw.
Rhys Radford isn't certain Comfort Me can win the Belmont Sprint, a wide gate adds a layer of complexity, but he is positive he'll pull out another competitive effort.
Radford believes Comfort Me has a few bullets yet to fire before his career winds down.
"He's never taken a backward step throughout his whole life," Radford said on Tabradio.
"It's coming, but he's not giving any signs at the moment that it's anywhere near.
"While he's still happy to be out there and still going well I can't see what we can keep pushing ahead.
"Even his attitude at his age, it's quite remarkable really; every day is the same, he really is a ripper."
Comfort Me goes into the Belmont Sprint off a top third in the Northam Stakes, only Belmont Sprint rivals West Star and Magnificent Andy ahead of him.
Beaten two lengths, it was an improved effort from the son of Playing God after modest runs in the opening two starts of his campaign.
He ran eighth behind The Boss Lady in the Roma Cup (1100m) and finished midfield in the Joey (1200m), seventh of 16 to Twain's Angel.
"I wasn't overly disappointed with his first two runs," Radford said.
"They might have gone quick for him over the shorter trips.
"He still seemed to hit the line ok for me, I wasn't too worried.
"He's ticking all the boxes and going very well.
"He's pulled up good since Northam and his final gallop this morning (Wednesday) was extra good.
"I couldn't be happier with him, just wished we had a better starting point."
The Belmont Sprint has attracted a quality field of 16 starters with four emergencies.
Comfort Me, drawn in barrier 20, will be ridden by Holly Watson.
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