Northfield First Starter Set For Grafton Debut

RACECALLER Mark Arandale and his mates who form the Blown Motor Racing Syndicate have been extremely patient for the past six months.

On Wednesday at Grafton, Redback Sam (Barcia Bale-Palazzo) makes a long-awaited debut to racing in a 305 metre maiden event from box three.

FIELDS, FORM & BEST PRICES HERE

He is one of two pups Mark and his mates got after paying the service fee to champion sire Barcia Bale for Palazzo (Fear Zafonic-Orara Lass).

The Blown Motor Racing boys have a soft spot for the bloodlines.

Palazzo is a litter sister to their star galloper Kidatee Dan the winner of 33 races and placed 17 times for $67,000 in stakes. He was a prolific winner at Grafton, Lismore and Casino and also a winner at Albion Park.

Brad Northfield trains Redback Sam and he reports the dog has needed patient handling and even now says his best is yet to come.

“A beautiful dog,” says Brad.

“But, the first gallop I gave him behind the drag lure he ripped his chest muscles. And it has taken a long, long time to get him over it. He kept pulling up sore there.”

But Redback Sam is sound now and Northfield has decided to test him in the 305m maiden at Grafton knowing that in three months time he will be much better suited over 500m and eventually to 600m.

“We know he can get around 17.70 and that puts him into the race with a chance,” said Brad.

“I cannot fault the chase instinct in the dog. He will be a big improver with a bit of race experience and even more age on him.”

His dam Palazzo was also a smart galloper in the Sonia Kempshall kennel winning 15 races.