No Slowing Down For Red Publisher
As a 10-year-old with 115 starts behind him, Red Publisher is the oldest and most experienced runner in Saturday’s Amelia Park-Blue Spec Stakes (1600m) at Belmont Park.
But mirroring his trainer, Ashley Maley, the evergreen Publishing gelding is showing no signs of slowing down and is racing with zest and vigour.
Maley’s team is in arguably one of their hottest patches and early into the 2021-22 season he has bagged five winners from the past three Belmont meetings.
Red Publisher is chasing down the first win of his current preparation, but with placings from his past three starts against good opposition, his form has been full of merit.
Last-start in the Ngawyni Stakes (1400m) off a perfect run behind the pace, he was cutting the margin on That’s Funny Az, but couldn’t bridge the gap and finished a short-neck second.
Red Publisher is one of eight entries in the Amelia Park-Blue Spec Stakes and has drawn barrier six. He carries 54.5kg for Brad Parnham and is an $8,50 chance with Tabtouch.
Maley thinks Red Publisher has a big hope of adding to his 10 career wins.
“At those weights Red Publisher should be right in, I think,” Maley told Tabradio.
“He should just be behind the speed and get a nice cart up into the race.
“He’s been running super for an old 10-year-old.
“He’s extremely sound and is happy to be racing.
“I think he’s right in the race with that weight and I would love to see him do it.
“I really do think he is a real live chance.”
Earlier in the day, stable mate Sluice Box will look to continue his winning form in the Glenroy Chaff Handicap (2200m).
The six-year-old holds $2.90 market lead after trouncing his rivals by five lengths two weeks ago in his first win beyond a mile.
“It was a career-best performance for sure, but I don’t know if he can reproduce that,” Maley said.
“He’s carrying 59kg and is only a small horse, but is gutsy and in a good head space.
“He won in a canter last start so hopefully nothing changes.”
Meanwhile Maley gives a strong push for All Day Session in the Peninsula Dining Room Handicap (1000m).
He believes going back to a 1000m, a distance where he has recorded all three career wins, will be the key.
“He’s favourably drawn and the 1000m definitely suits him,” Maley said.
“I keep saying he’s a 1200m horse, but he keeps throwing it back in my face.”
All Day Session, to be ridden by Brad Rawiller, jumps from gate three. He’s $5 with Tabtouch.
Maley says last-start winner Jag The Joker has each way hopes in the Cool Ridge Handicap (1200m).
Maley will also make is presence felt at Gascoyne Junction with Arnie’s Boy a top fancy in the Elders Junction Cup (1900m).
Julio Santarelli