Trainer Darren Weir was in Perth over the weekend to oversee Black Heart Bart’s preparation heading into the Group 1 $1m Magic Millions-Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot in Perth on Saturday.
Black Heart Bart, above, has galloped well in the lead up to the Kingston Town Classic at Ascot. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
The five times Group 1 winner narrowly missed out on another when a close second to Great Shot in the Group 1 $1m James Boag’s Premium Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on November 25 and Weir said that the seven year old has done a treat since.
Weir was pleased with Black Heart Bart’s work on Saturday morning and he is primed to take his place in the weight for age Kingston Town Classic on the weekend.
“Bart’s good,” Weir told The West Australian.
“His work was good and Ulmann worked well, too.
“We’re fortunate enough to have Lindsey let us use his place.”
“Bart has settled in to the routine there and it’s just what he needed.”
“All thing’s being well, he’s heading into the race in good shape.”
Weir has decided against running stablemate Ulmann in the Kingston Town Classic and instead the six year old will be kept for the Group 3 $250,000 A.J. Scahill Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday week.
Ulmann was a winner three starts back in the Group 3 $150,000 Ladbrokes Moonga Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 21 but missed a place last start when eighth to Great Shot in the Railway Stakes.
“No race is easy to win but that race will be easier than the Kingston Town,” Weir said.
“His run in the Railway was a pass mark.”
Black Heart Bart heads the betting for the Kingston Town Classic at $3.50 with Ladbrokes.com.au just ahead of the James Cummings trained It’s Somewhat at $4.60 and W.A. Guineas winner Perfect Jewel at $7.
Early betting for the 2017 Kingston Town Classic at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.50 Black Heart Bart, $4.60 It’s Somewhat, $7 Perfect Jewel, $9 Tom Melbourne, $10 Achernar Star, $13 Life Less Ordinary, $21 All Our Roads, Pounamu, Royal Star, $34 Cosmic Storm, Gatting, Great Shot, Money Maher, Silverstream, Ulmann, $67 or better the rest.