Ballistic antics may yet have a silver lining for bad Boy

A TWIST of fate that at first seemed a disaster could now turn to gold for Ballistic Boy, who runs for almost five times as much prizemoney this week compared to last weekend’s Shoot Out at Eagle Farm.

Ballistic Boy was taken out at the start of last Saturday’s 2200m race in Brisbane after burying his head in the turf when loaded in the barriers. He has since passed a jumpout test without issue and is free to take his place alongside stablemate Profit in Saturday’s $250,000 The Wave (1800m) at the Gold Coast.

The race has a $200,000 bonus attached if the winner is paid up for the Magic Millions race series, meaning Ballistic Boy and stablemate Profit are running for $345,000, which would easily be the biggest payday in the training career of Chris Anderson if either horse can pull it off.

“All went without any hitch in the jumpout. I was very pleased to see everything back to normal,” Anderson said.

“It was a very uneventful morning, to be honest.

“I owe a big thanks to the BRC barrier attendants for getting him out (last Saturday).

“Three of them ran around in front. It’s pretty dangerous and they did an amazing job.

“I have told the BRC there will be a couple of cartons of whatever amber liquid they desire, because no doubt their brave actions helped what could have been a much worse situation.”

Anderson had planned to split Profit and Ballistic Boy this summer but the latter now needs this race to be ready for the $1 million Magic Millions Subzero (2400m) at the Gold Coast on January 16.

“It’s not ideal having them both in this race,” the Brisbane trainer said.

“His (Ballistic Boy) grand final is to be the Subzero and it was really disappointing to have missed last Saturday.

“But that’s racing and we know things don’t always go as planned and we will bounce back as best we can.”

Ballistic Boy is by far the best suited by the set weights on Saturday, meeting every other runner at least 3kg better than he would in a handicap. He meets Profit 5kg better. “I know he looks well placed but he’s probably looking for 2000m and beyond, so that’s a little question,” the trainer said.