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Santarelli Report June 11
Posted on 10/06/2009 | Posted by Julio Santarelli | Back to News Archive
Trainer Graeme Ballantyne is being totally honest when he says he cannot pinpoint the exact reasons for the turnaround in form for Tony’s Angel but is hoping whatever it is it continues at Northam this afternoon. Tony’s Angel was a 17 start maiden and testing the patience of punters and Ballantyne alike before reigniting her career with impressive back-to-back wins at her last two starts. Ballantyne is too modest to take any of the credit but is confident if she holds her current form she will be difficult to beat. “If she runs to form she should win,” Ballantyne said. “I wish I could take the credit for her form but I think it’s a case of her maturing as a racehorse. “Her form prior wasn’t that bad either and she was always around the mark. “Being back at Northam also helps and she obviously enjoys the track.” There is one major change to Tony’s Angel this afternoon that may make punters wary. Regular jockey Willie Pike has opted for the ride on rival and the Michael Pateman-trained Halo Halo and will be replaced by Paul Harvey. It’s a move that doesn’t faze Ballantyne. “I lose one great jockey but replace him with another one,” Ballantyne said. “Willie does a fair amount of riding for Michael and that’s the reason for his decision. “I’m certainly not losing anything by having Harvey aboard. “But I have enormous respect for Halo Halo and rate him as the main danger. “The Michael Pateman team is firing at present and has to be respected. “Treacle has also been competitive and will play a part.” Ballantyne is sweating on a run for Comeonkevvy in the Wild Turkey Handicap. The six-year-old has been knocking on the door at his past three starts and according to Ballantyne will be competitive. “He was unlucky last run when missing the kick but was still good enough to be placed third,” Ballantyne said. “He should nearly win if he gets a start.”
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