Racing: Martina's favourite number is not nine

Derek Balle could be excused for wondering which one of the racing gods he upset.

Because while Balle has produced the training performance of his career to resurrect his stable star Martina H's career during the Interdominions series he realises he may now fall short at the last hurdle.

Just three weeks ago Balle thought Martina H was heading for the broodmare paddock, having finally lost her career-long battle with leg soreness.

As a last resort she started an intensive swimming programme and it worked the oracle, seeing her win a heat of the trotting series and finish as equal leading points scorer.

Then came Saturday night's barrier draw function and Martina H drew barrier nine, for the second time in an Interdominion final, after starting from the same number in the 1993 Addington final.

This year, though, nine is even worse.

At Addington, barrier nine is the outside of the front line but at Alexandra Park it is one on the second line, meaning Martina H will start behind outsider Play On.

"It is probably the worst place we could be because we might end up near last at some stage," said Balle.

"Even though I think she is better driven from behind at this level you can't afford to give them too much of a start so we are going to need luck."

Balle is looking at the positive side, though. "A month ago we didn't think we had a horse any more and now we have her back racing at her best and we might be able to extend her career a bit more.

"But we will worry about Friday night first."