News & Media

18 August 2011 Kalgoorlie Preview Sunday August 21

Merv Dellar forged a tough and uncompromising reputation when playing for South Fremantle in the West Australian Football League.
Dellar neither asked for nor received any favours in a distinguished career with the Bulldogs.
It’s an attitude and philosophy he has successfully transferred to training as he establishes his mark in the thoroughbred world.
So when Dellar expresses a rare tinge of exasperation about one of his runners in Ain’t No Saint it pays to sit up and take notice.
The Danetime gelding hasn’t quite reached the standards he set last year that included a trifecta of wins and a third to boom mare Power Princess at Belmont Park.
Following his defeat of Smart Punch earlier in March the six-year-old has since run five minor placings from his past eight appearances.
Dellar believes Ain’t No Saint is due for a change in fortune in Sunday’s $15,000 Goldfields Toyota Sprint (1300m).
“I’m not for one moment making any excuses but he just can’t take a trick this preparation,” Dellar said.
“There is always something that happens that puts him out of contention including last-start when he got knocked over and had to pick himself up again.
“I’m pretty sure he could have been three or four wins from nine rather than just the one.
“It’s a fairly strong and even field he meets on the weekend with Smart Punch, Oroya Gold and Revy Jay all with claims.
“But my horse only needs a change of luck and I’m confident he can be in it.”
Dellar is more circumspect concerning stable mate Intimidator who will have to improve on last weekend’s effort in the Frank Turich Memorial Handicap (1200m).
Intimidator finished fifth of eight and failed to pick up ground behind frontrunner Danterina.
“I was disappointed with the run and thought he should have let down better than what he did” Dellar said.
“His first-up run was good and I’m hoping I haven’t lost my way with him.
“I rate Ain’t No Saint ahead of Intimidator.”