Racing: Burgundy needs top effort

Burgundy will be hard to beat in the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie today. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Trainer says his classy sprinter will have to be at his best to win the Railway Stakes.

Trainer Jason Bridgman knows Burgundy is in for a hard time in today's group one Sistem $200,000 Railway at Ellerslie.

But he believes his handsome stallion is up for it.

The Matamata horseman thinks Burgundy is as tough as he is good looking and declares that's what will be required this afternoon.

"At group one level you have to run every metre of that trip regardless of whether it's 1200m or 3200m. There's nowhere to hide - you've got to be tough."

And that's not forgetting the luck factor.

"In races like this you need every bit of luck as well and we are delighted he's drawn in at No3.

"I know it's not impossible to win Railways from out wide, but for an on-pace runner a good barrier is a huge advantage. If you draw wide it comes down to settling in running depending on how they jump [first two strides]."

Bridgman does not want, or expect, Burgundy to lead.

"I don't think we'll be making the running. I'll be happy if he's third or fourth.

"It should take the luck factor out of it. Unless a certain horse is extremely dominant, in sprint races it can come down to luck in running. I just hope we don't get any of the bad type."

Bridgman says despite Burgundy's brilliance, he expects the horse to be better at 1400m than 1200m.

"Which is why I've kept him fresh for this race. He'll need to show a lot of guts late in the race and he's got it."

Ask Donna Logan about the chances of Durham Town in today's $200,000 Railway and she says: "Well, there's no Nash this time."

Nash Rawiller.

The topline Australian jockey put paid to Durham Town in the Railway a year ago and again in the Telegraph at Trentham where he nearly ran him over the running rail.

"I'm not disappointed Nash isn't here this year," said Logan yesterday.

"Durham Town is the horse most have to beat and there will be no more worthy winner after the ill fortune he struck in both our group one sprints last season.

"He's stronger and more mentally geared up this time," said Logan.

"We are very pleased with him, he's spot on."

The Hombre returned to his best form with an easy win in the Newmarket on Boxing Day, which was a sharp improvement on his recent efforts.

However, he has a liking for Ellerslie and finished second in the Railway last year, but his chances have not been enhanced by the 18 draw.

Fleur De Lune looks well weighted on 54kg but her forms appears to have tapered off since chasing Mufhasa home at Hastings in September. She has had a short break and appeals as an outside each-way chance and First4 include.

Everyone will be waiting for the 7.30am scratching list to see if the Mosse camp have landed a million-to-one shot and got the two scratchings they require to get Mosse into the Railway field.

Don't telephone Auckland Racing Club racing manager Andrew Castles and moan about Mosse being on the emergency list under the regulations governing more recent Railways.

If you do be prepared.

"Look, as the Herald said this morning, the changes were made for the right reasons," Castles said late yesterday.

"The interesting thing is that if the race was a handicap, Mosse would be in exactly the same position - he wouldn't have made the field under normal handicap conditions.

"Of course the club would like to see Mosse in the field, but we don't have a discretionary clause on the race to invite a horse in and the connections of all horses knew what the conditions of the race were long before nominations."