Reynolds On Winning Batavia Run
Cool Serenity has taken John Reynolds on a great ride at Geraldton this season and he’s hoping that can continue in Sunday’s Batavia Sprint (1300m).
Reynolds had modest expectations when Cool Serenity entered his stable last year, but the Bel Esprit mare has been a genuine surprise packet.
Cool Serenity won two races from 15 starts for previous trainer, David Harrison, but he has relished his new environment under Reynolds.
Displaying career-best form, the five-year-old remains undefeated since reeling off four straight wins since last November.
Reynolds, chasing a personal milestone, believes Cool Serenity can extend her winning ways in the Batavia Sprint.
“I’ve never had a horse win five races in a row, so it’s something new for me” Reynolds told The Races WA.
“Even when I was involved in harness racing I didn’t have a run like I’m having at the moment.
“She was bought to be a broodmare, but the owner wanted to give her a few races to see how she goes.
“She has gone a lot better than what any of us thought, so it’s been good for everyone.
“I put it down to appreciating the class of horses in Geraldton and relishing a different environment.
“It’s a big test to win again, but I’m making the most of her wins and hope she can do it again.”
Cool Serenity carries 55kg for Peter Knuckey and has drawn barrier four in the field of 13 starters.
Knuckey replaces Troy Turner, who partnered Cool Serenity to three of her four wins this campaign.
Turner elected to ride Royal Statue, but the Gordon Spowart-trained gelding suffered a bleeding attack after a track gallop on Wednesday and was scratched.
Knuckey has won the Batavia Stakes twice previously, combining with Impatient Times (2011) and Lockroy (2018).
Julio Santarelli