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Tamworth trainer Stephen Dixon is still trying to get over Blinkin Unreal’s last start defeat at Grafton.
To say the five-year-old mare was unlucky would be an understatement.
“It was very disappointing at Grafton,’ Dixon admitted. “It was a long way to go to get beat like that.”
After riding almost the perfect race jockey Belinda Hodder found herself strung up behind other runners with a lap full of horse and absolutely nowhere to go.
“Belinda got off and came back apologising,” Dixon recalled. “Really there was nothing she could do.
“She had no doubt Blinkin Unreal would have won if she could have got out.”
Blinkin Unreal eventually finished 1.9 lengths fifth to Far Dooley at Grafton on May 10. Dixon added the mare was also a shade unlucky not to finish closer at her previous start in a Benchmark 70 event at Tamworth on April 24.
Dixon and the mare head to Armidale on Tuesday hoping for a change of luck for the better.
Blinkin Unreal is down to contest the Armidale City Bowling/Uralla Bowling & Recreation Clubs Benchmark 55 Hcp over 1100m.
Hodder retains the mount.
“If she can get the right run I think she can win,” Dixon added. “She’s pulled up great from Grafton, eaten everything put in front of her and done everything right.
“She’s drawn wide (barrier 10) and has got a bit of weight (59.5kg) but she’s very well.
“She’ll get back off the pace but as long as there’s speed on up front and on paper it looks that way she should go all right.”
Blinkin Unreal was previously with Leon Davies but is one of ten horses Tamworth owner Errol French has with Dixon.
“He’s a great owner and good supporter of mine. It would be lovely to win another race for him with this mare,” Dixon suggested.
Blinkin Unreal has won three of 14 starts, all under Dixon’s care.
The mare, who stands nearly 17 hands, has her moments at home Dixon related.
“She can be very cranky in her box. Typical female,” Dixon laughed. “Otherwise on the track she’s a lovely mare to don anything with.
“She works good and her work since Grafton has been up to the mark.”