Nerves for trainer as Greipel’s shot comes

TRAINER Geoff Duryea has plenty of time for noted mudlark Greipel but admits the five-year-old has given connections some anxious moments in his career to date.

Greipel has won eight of his 30 starts so has been a great money spinner for his owners but seven of them have been by less than half a length.

So if he’s fighting out the finish of the SDRA Winter Series Handicap (1200m) at Wagga today be prepared for another close call.

Duryea, who trains at Corowa, said it’s in the horse’s nature to only do what’s required.

“He’s pretty casual on the track, he’s a Snitzel and they are workmanlike,’’ Duryea said.

“They don’t do anything flash at home then come race day they become racehorses.

“He gives us heart attacks, though, that’s why we have high blood pressure tablets.’’

The gelding had his first run for two months when he ran third on a heavy track at Wagga on July 18 and Dureya was a shade disappointed.

The Wagga meeting has been transferred from the inside Riverside track to the course proper, where the rail will be outt eight metres due to the Heavy 10 track rating.

Duryea said the wet track will give him a shot to improve.