Belhus Racing‘s promising Victorian-based Navy Blue is bred to appreciate a staying trip and he gets his first real opportunity to test his stamina when taking his place in tomorrow’s 1900-metre GenesisCare Victoria Cup Handicap (Race 7) at Kilmore.
The Darren Weir-trained four-year-old, who recorded a solid maiden victory at Echuca two starts back on July 27, is by former world-class stayer Illustrious Blue, a multiple European stakes winner imported to Australia to compete in the 2010 Melbourne Cup.
► WATCH: Navy Blue breaks through at Echuca
Navy Blue wasn’t too far away at the finish when racing third up over 1740 metres at Sale on August 17 and is expected to go very close to winning on Saturday, with comeback jockey Jarrod Lorensini in the saddle.
Lorensini, who spent 10 years away from race riding, has booted home six winners since commencing his comeback at Warracknabeal on August. He has been part of the Darren Weir stable as a trackwork rider since 2013.
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MIDWEEK WA ACTION COMING UP: Next Thursday’s Northam meeting looks set to be a busy one for Belhus Racing’s West Australian brigade with three runners set to compete.
Last start winner Aquajinsky, her younger half-brother Mr Confident and capable mare Classy Cat are all likely starters.
Another WA-based horse to keep an eye out for is the former NSW-import Solar Sky, who stretched out nicely to win a heat at the Belmont trials on Monday.
► WATCH: Solar Sky heading in right direction
The former James Cummings-trained seven-year-old has been troubled by injury since arriving in WA almost two years ago, however, new trainer Martin Allan appears to have him right back on track. Solar Sky is likely to trial again at Belmont on September 18 before heading back to the races.
