RESPECTED Naracoorte trainer Sue Murphy is confident of a forward showing from former New South Wales galloper Athos in a $20,000 restricted race at Hamilton on Monday.
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The lightly-raced Athos has had two starts for Murphy after winning two races in New South Wales.
“Athos used to be trained in Sydney,” she said.
“He hated the city. He was wasting away when I got him.
“He was really nervy and would not eat but he's settled down now.
“I took him up to Swan Hill for his last run and he seems a different horse.
“I train him out of the paddock. I’ve got a bit of an opinion of him.
“I reckon he'll go through his classes.”
Warrnambool-based Irish jockey Declan Bates will have the ride on Athos while regular rider Craig Robertson is on holidays.
“Craig has ridden Athos in both starts for me,” Murphy said.
“Craig has gone away on holidays so I got in contact with Declan.
“He's a very good jockey. I'm sure he’ll ride Athos well.”
Meanwhile, punters were left with worthless betting tickets after Darren Weir's Warrnambool trained galloper Stellar Collision ran last in a $90,000 race at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Stellar Collision was going for his third win from as many starts at Moonee Valley after being well backed with punters.
But there were reasons for his failure.
The stewards reported the four-year-old was severely checked passing the 300-metre mark when tightened for room between Dan Zephyr and Straturbo.
A post-race veterinary examination failed to reveal any abnormalities with Stellar Collision.
