Black Sabbath in Tune for Fairetha says Harvey

Posted on November 9, 2018 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Black Sabbath is primed and ready to burst back to winning form in the Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday, according to co-trainer Todd Harvey.

A brilliant winner of his opening two starts in May, Black Sabbath has been cruelled by wide barriers since commencing his WA Guineas (1600m) campaign last month.

The Blackfriars gelding made an encouraging return when second to Chix Pic at Bunbury and ran 2 ¾ length seventh to Mystery Miss in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m).

Bought for $47,500 at the 2017 Perth Yearling Sale, Black Sabbath has drawn barrier six in the Fairetha Stakes field of 14.  Jason Brown retains the ride.

Harvey, who prepares Black Sabbath in partnership with his father, Rob, said he was confident from an improved draw his three-year-old had solid winning claims.

“I think the horse is ready to run a very good race,” Harvey told TABradio.

“He is third up, nearing his peak and has really come through his coat in the last fortnight.

“We have been very pleased with his work and has a better draw.

“He is beautifully weighted and it certainly puts him right in the race.”

Black Sabbath ($7) shares the second line of betting with The Velvet King.

Chix Pix holds $4.40 favouritism after two excellent runs this campaign.

In contrast to his on-pace win at Bunbury, Chix Pix had to go back in the Belgravia Stakes and charged late after commencing slowly.

Trainer David Harrison said the grey Patronize gelding will be hard to beat.

“It was a huge run (Belgravia Stakes) after he missed the jump a little bit,” Harrison said.

“We held his tail up to see if he could jump a little quicker.

“He usually is okay, but I thought I would make him fly the gates.

“It always works, but it actually went the other way.

“When they let his tail go he just dropped his bum and missed the kick.

“We won’t be doing that again.”

Chix Pic, a winner of the Listed Perth Stakes (1100m) last season, has drawn awkwardly in barrier 11.

Harrison is not concerned aand said regular hoop Joe Azzopardi has options.

“Whether he goes back or forward I’m not sure,” Harrison said.

“It all depends on how he jumps I guess.

“At least now he has two strings to his bow.

“He can go back and do what he wants.”