Beach boy brings the X-factor

ATHERTON trainer Sharlee D’Avila can’t quite put her finger on it, but there’s something she likes about Beach Head.

The six-year-old gelding, who pipped the Michael McLellan-trained The Principal by half-a-length over 1800m at Innisfail last month, has enjoyed a purple patch of late, winning three of his last six starts.

Beach Head, who’s been ridden by D’Avila’s husband, Wanderson, previously, will feature in race two today over 1900m at Cannon Park in Cairns today with Nor Yadi in the saddle.

“The more ground he covers the more confident I am with him,” D’Avila said yesterday. “He’s come down from Beaudesert and had three wins in six starts since I took him on seven months ago.

“He’s such a beautiful horse. He was an old Godolphin horse. Every time he starts he seems to find more in him. He had a very good run in Innisfail and I’m looking forward to running him over 2000m in the coming weeks in Atherton.

“Nor has had two wins on him and just seems to suit him better. I didn’t sack Wanderson off him but we just thought why take Nor off when they’re so well-suited.”

D’Avila’s second horse racing tomorrow, Metazoa, will line up in race four over 950m.

“Her last start was in Cairns and she’s raced well despite being beaten,” she said.

“I’ve put her out on the paddock for a freshen up and she looks like a million dollars.

“She’s got a really nice motor, we’ve just got to figure out how to ride her.

“I’m definitely excited to see how she goes.”