By MIKE DILLON
Lance O'Sullivan and owner-trainer Peter Walker were happy to disagree about the winning ride on Bel Air in the $40,000 HIH Insurance Classic at Ellerslie yesterday.
The vastly improved Bel Air got home by a narrow margin over Likely Story after sitting three wide throughout, a ride which O'Sullivan defended vigorously.
The champion Matamata jockey said the race turned out to be a classic example of how a jockey at times needs to use discretionary powers in a race, regardless of riding instructions.
Walker had told O'Sullivan that becase of a lack of obvious pace in the race he wanted Bel Air to be ridden forward.
"Go to the front if you have to," were the words.
Once the race was under way O'Sullivan decided they were not necessarily the best tactics and was happy to sit three wide just back of the leaders.
"Before the riding instructions I had wanted to ride him fourth or fifth.
"I went forward at the 1400m and my intention was to lead, but once I got up there I could see they were not going to let me lead easily.
"If I had gone to the front there were a couple who were going to attack me and that would have brought him undone.
"They were never going to let me have a soft lead on the favourite."
O'Sullivan said Bel Air relaxed beautifully once he put the horse's head into the flank of Spottswoode, who was sitting outside the leader.
"I'm just pleased he won," said Walker.
Bel Air is the country's most improved stayer.
Walker said that while he was mindful the 4-year-old might soon need a break, he needed to keep Bel Air going while he was still in winning mode.
"When he was beaten in the St Leger I thought he may have had enough.
"But he has won his two starts since then and I would probably be mad to spell him now."
The options are the Hawkes Bay Cup, which provides for the winner a free trip to the Adelaide Cup.
"I'd love to give him an overseas trip as a 4-year-old so he would be well used to it when we bring him back next season," said Walker.
The Adelaide Cup is also an option for runner-up Likely Story, who will improve considerably with yesterday's race.
Leading over 2400m and fighting hard when perhaps one race short was a fabulous effort.
"I'm not sure what I'll do on the way through to Adelaide, I've got a couple of options," said co-trainer Frank Ritchie.
Racing: Instructions set aside to bring Bel Air home
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