Holts Chase Team Win in Classic with Blitzem

Gun trainer and jockey team Georgie and Aidan Holt are confident star colt Better Blitzem can overcome a horror barrier draw to win the $100,000 Belle Property 2YO Classic at Cluden (1200m) on Saturday.

Better Blitzem has been installed a short-priced favourite, but will have to jump from the outside barrier in the field of 15.

The draw continues a plague of bad barriers for the quality son of Better Than Ready in this year’s feature races.

He drew 10 out of 14 when third in the $500,000 QTIS Jewel at the Gold Coast in March and jumped from 11 of 12 to finish second in the Capricornia Classic at Rockhampton in April – in races both won by the Liam Birchley-trained Swift Dragon.

Georgie Holt said the draw was the only setback in a near perfect lead-in to the big race including a slashing trial win last week.

“He’s a lovely horse and condition wise he’s spot on and ready. The barrier is the only issue,” she said.

“After Rocky he went back to Kenmore in Toowoomba for a freshen up before we kicked him off again.

“He’s had four good gallops and an impressive trial and we can’t fault him.

“It really comes down to what sort of run he gets from the barrier. But he’s proven his class and with a touch of luck I’m quietly confident.”

Holt won the Classic two years ago with Dance For Me Randy.

With Aidan in the saddle the couple finished second with Satisfied Mugs last year behind super star filly Sheza Alibi.

Better Blitzem has been the superior colt in the north this season, winning four of his six career starts, and jockey Holt is pumped for Saturday’s challenge.

“It would be great to get the win together with Georgie on Saturday,” he said.

“Last year we tried to win it back-to-back (with Satisfied Mugs) and got beaten by the Doncaster winner. Far out.

“In all honestly if we’d drawn better on Saturday it should have been a painless watch.

“Obviously the barrier is the biggest issue – he’s just had no luck with the  draws. 

“We’ve never been disappointed with the horse, but I’d love to see him draw soft for an easier run and I think then we’ll see just how good he is.

“There’s a fair bit of speed out there with him so I’ll be looking to get some cover just off them and get a good clear run to give him his chance.

“The horse has done enormous. From the jockey’s point of view it’s all up to me now.”

Better Blitzem is one of two contenders in the Classic for the Holt stable.

They will also run Boomious who is a last start winner over the Classic 1200m distance.

The Classic is the final race on Saturday’s seven-event card and will jump at 4.59pm.

Fred Noffke, the owner of last year’s winner Sheza Alibi, now considered one of the best gallopers in Australia, will be the special guest at the race day luncheon.