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Webster having another shot at raconteur

3 minute read

Colin Webster has another shot of claiming the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) at Belmont and the veteran trainer is bullish about his chances.

Colin Webster won the 2015 Raconteur Stakes with Properantes and in-form gelding Billy Ain't Silly will lead his stable attack on Saturday.

Billy Ain't Silly, race hardened and at his peak, is the second favourite ($3.90) behind Glamour Girl, on the quick back-up after her win last week.

Webster's view of Billy Ain't Silly as a horse with considerable promise has been vindicated with the son of I'm All The Talk enjoying a super campaign.

Since turning out for his return at Pinjarra in March, Billy Ain't Silly has racked up four wins and two placings from six starts this preparation.

He goes into the Raconteur Stakes after a strong front running win at his first go over the mile when he defeated Not To Be Mist by 2 ¼ lengths.

Webster is more than optimistic that Billy Ain't Silly can elevate to Listed company and produce the best run of his campaign in the Raconteur Stakes.

"His form is good and he is back in three-year-old company," Webster said on Tabradio.

"With set weights and penalties, he comes into the race pretty well weighted for his form.

"He has done everything right and has worked nicely.

"It looks like he is holding his form pretty well.

"It's a strong field and a good group of three-year-olds.

"But he's a type of horse that can get out and gallop and still finds the line."

Billy Ain't Silly will be ridden by Laqdar Ramoly from barrier one.

"He doesn't have to lead," Webster said.

"If someone wants to lead we can sit behind.

"But he'll be in the forward bunch, that's for sure."

Meanwhile Webster says look for Reign Of Fire to give a bold sight in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Handicap (1000m).

The son of Trade Fair is searching for his first victory since winning his opening two races and remaining undefeated as a two-year-old.

Unplaced as a three-year-old, Webster gave Reign Of Fire a couple of warm up trials in readiness for his return.

At his second hit out over 1000m at Belmont, he stretched out to defeat dual Listed winner, Solaia.

"He'll run a good race," Webster said.

"He has done everything right and his trial the other day was really good.

"He was in pretty strong company and I thought he trialed well.

"I think he will run a good race."

Webster believes Sessions Peak and His Eminence will run well, but could lack race experience on debut in the Amelia Park Plate (1000m).