07 February 2019 | Paul Courts
PROMINENT horseman Michael Stanley is in a strong position to register a two-state feature double on Saturday night.
Although based in Victoria, Stanley’s bid for Group glory will see him have runners engaged in South Australia and New South Wales.
Obviously unable to attend both meetings, Stanley has elected to make the road trip to Globe Derby, with his father, Ian, taking care of the Tabcorp Park Menangle representation.
“It was a tough choice but at the end of the day I’ve got guys like Luke and Todd McCarthy who can drive for us in Sydney so I’ll float to Adelaide,” Stanley said.
“Dad is already up there looking after those horses and I will take the others across with me.”
With two starters in the South Australian Derby, Stanley will partner Watch List from the pole.
Luckless during the recent Victoria Derby heats, Watch List is among the leading prospects in the Blue Riband.
The son of Betterthancheddar will also boast plenty of star power in his cheer squad, with his part-owners including Adelaide Crows players Brad and Matt Crouch, Josh Jenkins and ‘Tex’ Walker set to attend the meeting.
As impressive as those names may be to some, particularly locals, the real ‘boss’ of the ownership group is Stanley’s wife, Gen!
“He was set for this race as a few of the Adelaide boys own him and they’d love to see him win at Globe Derby,” Stanley said.
“It’s a really good draw for him and hopefully he can make the most of it.
“If he can lead he will be hard to run down around the half-mile track.”
Stanley’s second runner – A Fair Ol Dance – has drawn to trail his stablemate from the inside of the second row.
“He is a really nice horse and I was happy with Victoria Derby run,” Stanley said. “He is quite strong instead of fast, so I’m not sure the trail run will suit him.
“He can run good sectionals all day, but doesn’t quite have that quick dash.”
Stanley will then contest the South Australia Cup with Konan, which is poised to make his stable debut.
The son of Mach Three is on the second line of betting from barrier two at $3.70 with TAB Fixed Odds, with Sicario the $2.60 favourite from the pole.
“I got a call out of the blue asking if I would train him and you always welcome a quality horse like that,” Stanley said.
“I have given him two hit outs which were both solid. He came to me quite fit and is obviously forward enough to make his presence felt in the race.”
Towards the east coast, Stanley has Soho Burning Love ready to contest the opening race on the program, while Rackemp Tigerpie will compete in the Paleface Adios Stake.
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