Bold Soul ready to pounce at Flemington
Michelle and Patrick Payne know that four-year-old racing can be a tough step up, and Bold Soul is living proof of that challenge as he works to regain his winning form.
After a stellar three-year-old campaign highlighted by five wins from nine starts, Bold Soul has yet to get on the board as a four-year-old. He gets another shot on Saturday in the TAB We’re On (2520m) at Flemington.
The gelding made a fast start to his career, breaking his maiden at Donald, then winning at Flemington, before heading to Tasmania to sweep the Launceston Guineas and Tasmanian Derby.
Adelaide was the next stop, where he ran second in the Port Adelaide Guineas, landed the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m), and finished midfield in the Group 1 South Australian Derby, capping a successful classic season.
His four-year-old form has been less consistent, with only one placing so far. But Michelle Payne believes his last start at Caulfield showed real improvement.
“I think sometimes when they go from those three-year-old years and then racing up against those older horses as four-year-olds, it can take a little bit of time to level out,” Payne said.
“But he’s getting stronger all the time.
“He’s been building up and his last run was really good. He was back for a long way, and he hit the line well and he’s getting to a distance that should suit him.
“He’s also going to like a bit of give in the ground.”
To aid his development, Bold Soul has taken to jumping exercises at Patrick Payne’s Plumpton base.
“They always do a bit of jumping out there. They love it,” Michelle said.
If you're planning to wager on Bold Soul or Flemington’s staying event, explore Australia’s best betting sites for the latest racing odds, offers, and tips this weekend.
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