It’s a Breeze for Durrant

Posted on August 10, 2018 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Adam Durrant has a high opinion of Kiss The Breeze and has urged punters to stick with the talented three-year-old at Belmont on Saturday.

Kiss The Breeze won the opening two races of her career in fine style, but luck has deserted the Star Witness filly in her winter campaign.

Durrant has strong confidence Kiss The Breeze can return to the winner’s list in the Happy Birthday Jacquie Young Plate (1400m).

“She has been a little stiff in her last couple of runs and we’re looking for a bit more luck with her,” Durrant told TABradio.

“I guess that can sometime happen in racing, some days you get the luck in running and the other days you don’t.

“But on a whole you keep persisting and the swings and roundabouts turn and it comes your way.

“The beauty is she has come through the runs really good and I’ve had something to work with back home.

“Although it’s her fifth run in it’s basically like she’s had a trial so far this prep.

“I’m looking forward to see when she gets a bit of room what she can do over these trips because it looks like she is ready to swallow up ground.

“I’m pretty confident if she gets a clear look at it she will be pretty hard to beat tomorrow (Saturday).”

Kiss The Breeze ($2.90), to be ridden by William Pike and Rebel Knight ($2.15), are the only runners under double figure odds.

Meanwhile Durrant believes Battle Torque has the edge over stable mate Touch Of Silver in the Iron Jack Handicap (1650m).

Battle Torque holds $2.25 favouritism after consecutive wins at Northam, Pinjarra and Belmont.

“He is in great form and hasn’t turned a hair since his last run,” Durrant said.

“He will be in the mix again and you would have to lean to him for sure.”

Durrant says Touch Of Silver, unplaced in three runs this preparation, is struggling to adapt on rain affected tracks.

“He had every possible the other day and was pretty average really,” Durrant said.

“We went through him with a fine tooth comb and found nothing wrong with him.

“He didn’t look like he enjoyed that soft going at all and I would be very cautious.

“At his best he blows them away, but Battle Torque is in great form and loves the conditions.”

Durrant will also saddle Admiral Husson, At The Ready, First Affair, Nashville Cat, Bold Success, Midnight Sky and Reveille.

He says Kiss The Breeze is the horse to follow.

“I have to be on Kiss The Breeze,” Durrant said.

“She is one of my favourites and her work has been good.

“All the others are good chances, but it’s how they handle the conditions.”