Racing: Barrier draw and not weight concerns Tiley

Albany Reunion. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Trainer Nigel Tiley is more worried about the barrier draw for Albany Reunion at Ellerslie tomorrow than the 59.5kg topweight.

The in-form Albany Reunion has drawn the outside barrier of the 11 runners in The Edge TV Open 1400. "I'm not worried about the weight because it's a non-claiming race, but I suppose the weight could become a factor if he's caught wide from the draw," said Tiley.

Albany Reunion is on trial for the Couplands Bakeries Mile at Riccarton after a setback in his preparation put paid to a proposed trip for the A$1 million Emirates on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.

The winner of five of his 10 races, Albany Reunion has to concede significant weight to a number of runners, one of them Kelly O'Reilly, down on the minimum of 54kg.

***

Central Districts jockey Darryl Bradley knew he was on to something special the first time he rode Madam Victoria.

They combined to win the NZB Airfreight Stakes at Riccarton in May and the following month Bradley guided her to successive black type victories in the NZB Insurance Stakes and the Warstep Stakes.

Madam Victoria was then given a break by trainer Terri Rae and Bradley was back aboard when the daughter of High Chaparral trounced three rivals on her return at Timaru last month.

"She hadn't had a trial and even though it was a small field she kicked well in the straight," he said. "It was a good exercise for her.

"Her racing manners are excellent and every time I've ridden her I've had to ask her to sprint twice in the straight and not many horses can do that. She's very good."

He will be reunited with Madam Victoria at Riccarton tomorrow, when they attempt to keep their unbeaten record together intact in the Coupland's Bakeries Mile Trial.

Bradley has a strong book of rides at Christchurch, where he is also looking forward to riding Platinum Witness in the Armadillo Stakes.

While she is a seven-start maiden, her record isn't a fair reflection of the Lisa Latta-trained filly's ability.

- additional reporting: NZ Racing Desk