Racehorse TALK

Blackiston sweats on a feature start for Woodwin
Warren Huntly
Tuesday, 23 June 2009


Flemington trainer Nigel Blackiston is aiming his consistent galloper Woodwin at the Listed Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Flemington on July 4 but is uncertain if his galloper has done enough to secure a start in the mid-year feature.

“His second placing at Seymour in a heat last week will probably be enough to get into the final but I might have to run in another heat at Flemington this Saturday,” Blackiston said at Flemington trackwork on Tuesday morning.

“He’s come through last week’s run really well.

“There was a bit of pressure up front and that can leave him a little vulnerable at the finish.”

Woodwin is at his peak following five runs from a spell and galloped over 1000m in 69.2 secs on Tuesday morning with his last 400m in 25.4 secs.

“He can be a very strong trackworker and that was all he needed this morning,” he said.

“He’ll be spot on for this week if I need to run, or I’ll just keep him ticking over for the final.”
Blackiston is pleased the Winter Championship Final is to be run at Flemington as he believes the sweeping turns are well suited to his galloper’s free-running style.

“He seems to be able to roll along at his own tempo at Flemington and not get too much pressure.”