O’Reilly continues recent run of form
RACING
STRIKING Gladiator continued a winning run for trainerdriver Gerard O’Reilly at Forbury Park last night that looks set to continue this afternoon.
The Rakaia horseman had Striking Gladiator ready to score a returning win with his daughter, Sarah, in the sulky and the pair delivered in style in winning race 7.
Set aside after clashing with star 3yrold It’s All About Faith in July, Striking Gladiator thrived during his time in the spelling paddock.
“He has got better this time in and he is a bit stronger.” Gerard O’Reilly said.
“He has got a big frame and, even though he looks like a big, strong horse, he has had growing issues.’’
Punters did not miss the improvement in Striking Gladiator shown in his workout and trial wins leading into his resumption. The pacer, owned by his driver and
The Clann Syndicate, was backed into a $1.80 win price.
Striking Gladiator is now likely to be aimed at the twoday Nelson meeting on the second weekend in January.
Striking Gladiator’s win came just three days after the O’Reilly stable unleashed another impressive 3yrold winner.
Gerard O’Reilly was in the sulky behind Sweet Belle when she scored comfortably to remain unbeaten in two starts at Methven on Sunday.
“She is not paid up for any fillies’ series, so we had the luxury of giving her a good break. She has come back good; she has been a lovely horse right from day one.”
O’Reilly’s winning run could continue he when substitutes for the suspended Samantha Ottley behind openclass star Majestic Lavros at Addington this afternoon.
The reinsman admitted he was surprised to get the callup to drive the Mark Jonestrained trotter, who has a key barrier draw advantage over main rivals Heavyweight Hero and Dark Horse in race 9.
Majestic Lavros just needs to improve his manners when he starts from barrier 4 after galloping when looming up to leader The Dominator in last weekend’s Trotters’ Green Mile at Methven.
Ifyousayso will attempt to continue the success the O’Reilly stable has enjoyed over the past week when lining up in race 4 this afternoon.
The 4yrold resumed with a solid second behind runaway winner Storm at Addington last week.
“He has bounced through the run really good; that has been his problem in the past,” O’Reilly said.
“The runs have knocked him a bit and we have to space his races but he is good and we are lining up with the good money up and we will see how we go.”
O’Reilly’s brother, Leo, also cashed in on a rare trip to Forbury Park.
On a night when Alexy made headlines for equalling New Zealand’s record for most starts, fellow 11yrold Jerry Garcia took winning honours with his victory in race 4.
The victory was Leo O’Reilly’s first as a driver at Forbury Park since he scored with Top Brass in 2013. The Rakaia horseman’s last win as a trainer at the Dunedin track came with Him Himself in 2000.