Interstate raids pay dividends for Currie

IN-FORM trainer Ben Currie’s plan to buy interstate horses suited to Queensland paid more dividends after Pieridae landed some big bets at Ipswich yesterday.

Pieridae was trained by Patrick Payne in Melbourne, where she ran three seconds and a third in four starts before the Hinchinbrook filly was bought by clients of Currie and sent north.

Backed from $2.40 into $1.75 favouritism, Pieridae went straight to the lead and strolled home in a maiden race over 1100m.

Currie has lost count of the winners he has trained who started their careers interstate but it has certainly been a success as Pieridae’s win was his 86th this season.

He spends hours checking on horses for sale.

“Pieridae is typical. She had the form to win that race and I wouldn’t be doing my job if she didn’t win,” he said.

Suilven ($7) showed his win in a maiden at $71 two weeks ago was no fluke when he led all the way in a Class 1.

Trainer Bryan Dais said Suilven had run third in class-record time at his first start at the Sunshine Coast but had a few problems since.

“Let us just say he is proving a better gelding these days. It is a relief for him to be winning as he has always had plenty of ability,” he said.

First starter Captain California ($6) attracted international interest when he gave Robert Heathcote the first leg of a winning double.

Captain California’s owners include Heathcote’s friends Michael and Chris Ryan, who live in Switzerland.

Another owner, Simon Pearce, is on the board of Manchester United Football Club.

“They might have a pretty handy horse. Captain California had four trials leading into today and he will be better once he gets over further,” Heathcote said.

Heathcote also won with Monaco Snob ($7) who scored over 2150m.

“I think you will see a good stayer once he gets to the longer distances,” he said.