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Nothing like a first run to teach a cantankerous horse a thing or two about racing, especially barrier manners, but in Southern Man’s case, trainer John O’Hara would rather take it race by race even if he won handsomely on debut.
The hothead or “Crazy” as he is nicknamed at the stable has given O’Hara and his staff a few workouts at the pens, but through the patience and expertise of the barrier attendants headed by Damien Kinninmont and John Pepe, the Anacheeva three-year-old has slowly but surely mended his ways.
It is clear he has ability as he duly won on debut in a Restricted Maiden race over 1200m on Polytrack on March 31. But more to the point, he also won in the behavioural stakes, got loaded in without much hassle, jumped well and always travelled like a winner thereafter.
Southern Man will have his second test this Friday in the $60,000 Class 4 Division 2 race over 1100m. O’Hara said the chestnut has improved both physically and mentally, but that second run is probably even more crucial than the first.
“He won a nice race on debut. He still needs to go for barrier education, but he’s a bit better now,” said the Singaporean handler.
“He is still a handful at the barriers, but he’s getting better every time he goes there. This race is a bit tougher, it’s a Class 4 and there are some good horses in it.
“For example, Maximus, a horse I know well as I used to train him, ran very well at his first run from a break. He is one of the dangers.
“He’s drawn wide this time and that will make things harder, but the horse has maintained his form and I hope he can run well again.
“If he can be on his best behaviour like at his first race, then that would be half the battle won.”
With his last-start winning partner Troy See currently suspended, Southern Man will be ridden by Derreck David. The South African jockey, who himself returned from suspension last week, has ridden the TTS Stable-owned gelding at his last two barrier trials, winning the first one on May 9.
“He’s not an easy horse but I’ve ridden him a lot in his barrier trials and at his education jumpouts,” said David.
“John and the barrier staff have done a great job with him. He’s drawn awkwardly but I hope he can reproduce his winning form of his debut run.”
David has not saluted since Queen’s Seven scored on April 14, bringing up a dozen of wins for the former South African champion apprentice jockey this term.
