Webster’s Billy Is Not So Silly
Colin Webster has unearthed one outstanding juvenile this season and he’s hoping to produce another at Belmont on Saturday.
Reign Of Fire, a Trade Fair gelding, has not tasted defeat in his opening two starts and looks to have more than above average ability.
Throw in Dad’s Bigheaded, who stormed home to win with authority earlier this month and Webster has a talented squadron of two-year-olds.
Billy Ain’t Silly gets an opportunity to replicate his stable mates when he debuts in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Plate (1000m).
A stylish winner of two trials, the I’m All The Talk gelding steps out for his first appearance after a setback delayed his introduction two weeks ago.
“He had an elevated heart rate and we had to scratch him,” Webster told The Races WA.
“His trials have been very good and so far everything looks to be going well.
“I think he has a good chance, but he now has to do it under race day pressure.”
Billy Ain’t Silly showed dash in 400m trial and then followed up and cleared out under little pressure to win by 3 lengths in a 1000m trial.
Drawn to get the run of the race from barrier two, jockey Jerry Noske is certain to have him in a prominent position throughout.
Billy Ain’t Silly is $2.90 with Tabtouch, firming from $3.60. Last-start winner Madam Torio is the $2.60 favourite.
Ginger Green and Born To Rule are $7.
“It’s a good field and there are some good horses in it who go alright,” Webster said.
“You have to respect Madam Torio and Born To Rule won well last time as well.
“But I hope Billy Ain’t Silly is too good for them.”
Webster goes into Saturday’s Belmont card on a high after Al Mahalo scored an authoritative win in a 1400m Pinjarra maiden this afternoon (Thursday).
Continuing a good spell for the stable, the three-year-old charged home from the back of the field and in a tight finish got up to win by a head at his third race start.
The Al Maher gelding has displayed significant improvement after he was well beaten and ran near last on debut at Pinjarra in January.
“He pulled up shin sore and we had to give him a break,” Webster said.
“He has come on and improved since then.
“It was a lovely win and he is a promising horse.
“I thought we would see the best of him over 2000m.”
Julio Santarelli