Headley Grange to bet set for 2025 The Big Dance

Joe Pride’s consistent galloper Headley Grange quickly put a disappointing run behind him by returning to winning ways at Rosehill.

The gelding had been well-fancied in last month’s South Grafton Cup (1600m), a lead-up race to the Big Dance, but could finish only sixth after two impressive Sydney wins in June.

Pride attributed the poor showing to the firm ground, a theory that was proven when Headley Grange relished the heavy 10 conditions to claim the National Jockeys Trust Handicap (1500m), his ninth victory from 20 career starts.

“I’m just glad to see him bounce back,” Pride said.

“The other day was a head-scratcher until I saw how well he pulled up and how he’d go today, so I’m going to say it was the firm track.

“I really felt that track was too hard for him and I wouldn’t run him on a surface that firm again. He doesn’t have to have them this wet but he enjoys tracks with the sting out of them.”

Pride is keen to target another black-type race and potentially another attempt at qualifying for the Big Dance later in the year.

“At some point I probably want to give him another go at a Big Dance qualifier but I’m going to have to map something out and work out where to go,” he said.

“I’m not sure where his ceiling is. I don’t think he’s a serious Group horse but I think he’s a really nice horse. He has already won one black-type race and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come.”

Headley Grange ($3.70) was steered to a comfortable two-length win by Adam Hyeronimus, beating Diamond Diesel ($20), with Pride’s other runner Estadio Mestalla ($5) finishing third.