Trish Dunell
Trainer Nigel Tiley is the first to admit that on paper, stable runner Brighton has his work cut-out to figure in the finish of the Dunstan Feeds 1500 Championship Final (1500m) at Ellerslie on Tuesday.
But Tiley is also well aware that races aren’t run on paper and the reality is the five-year-old Buffalo Man gelding can overcome the challenge of a wide barrier and topweight in the special conditions feature.
“I guess when you look at it and you see the wide barrier and 60 kilograms its easy to start writing him off,” he said.
“I know it’s going to be tough but if he can get a little luck then I give him a good chance as he is flying at the moment.
“His last run was behind a very smart mare in Yearn and he pleased me that day and in his work since.
“His record says he deserves to be at the top of the handicap, so I know he has the ability to win the race and all he needs now is things to fall his way.”
Tiley has engaged leading rider Opie Bosson to take the mount on Brighton, a move he believes will only benefit his charge.
“Opie is all class and you need every advantage to win a race like this,” he said.
“I think circumstances will dictate that we have to go back at the start and look for a run through them as I can’t see him carrying that weight and going around them.
“We are going to need all the luck we can get and I’m hoping Opie can find it.”
Tiley is well represented on the day with talented galloper The Justice League kicking things off for his five-strong team in the first race on the day.
“The Justice League is going well so we’re looking to make a good start to the day,” he said.
“He got beaten by Love Affair last time at Pukekohe, which is no disgrace, so I’d like to think he could go one better on Tuesday.
“We also have Cherry Bay, Odisha, Makdanife and two-year-old Yulong Express in, so we have a pretty good representation on the day, with them all having legitimate chances.” - NZ Racing Desk