01 December 2020 | HRNSW MEDIA
FEW reinsmen could expect to make such a huge impression when they are forced to drive ‘second stringers’.
Yet former Queensland reinsman Leonard Cain is now widely regarded as one of the most talented young horsemen matching it with the best in the business.
While he came south to work for trainer Noel Daley, Cain was quickly snapped up by the Craig Cross/Luke McCarthy stable when Daley decided to return to the US.
Since then Cain has continued to land more than his share of winners as the back-up reinsman behind McCarthy.
He was at his best again on Saturday night, scoring a fabulous 2.5m win with former Victorian pacer Buster Brady at Menangle, rating 1:50.9 for the mile to beat Dance For Glory (Josh Gallagher) and $2.10 favourite Zahven Banner (McCarthy).
“I drove him [Buster Brady] in a trial a few weeks ago and was really happy with the way he went and we really felt he was knocking on the door and close to a win,” said Cain.
“He’s certainly got the ability and he showed that the other night.
“To be honest I’ve really enjoyed driving for Craig’s stable as they have so many nice horses and even driving the second stringers behind Luke gets you some really good drives.
“Wrangler ran fourth but went really well on Saturday night.
“Dracarys is also a lovely mare and she’s going really nicely as well . . . it was no disgrace running fourth to Bettor Enforce the other night . . . she is an absolute star.”
Cain is getting excited about a return trip to his native Queensland for their feature racing in coming weeks.
“We’re sending about a dozen horses up there with travelling foreman Matt Coffee and I’ll head up there in the middle of this week to give him a hand,” he said.
“I’ll be there driving for a few Saturday nights.
“Luke will come up to drive King Of Swing in their big race, The Blacks A Fake and a few others but it will be fun to be home for a visit.
“I have no plans to return there permanently, though, things are going too well for me in Sydney and I’m enjoying it down here.”
Cain heads for Menangle today (Tuesday) with just one drive, despite his great form.
“Craig only has one runner, Delightful Tara, in Race 8 and she looks a good chance,” said Cain.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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