Favourite tag a boon for Griffin
DAN Griffin has long been the underdog when it comes to Gold Coast’s biggest races but the King of the Coast will revel in new-found favourite status on one of the track’s biggest days.
Griffin will sit atop Australian Turf Club Trophy Listed $2.70 favourite Freddie Fox Trot today for Gold Coast trainer Les Kelly.
It’s a welcome change for Griffin who has had to traditionally overcome big odds to win at his home track where he usually dominates.
Griffin won the 2014 Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate with $81 chance Mywayorthehighway for Mick Mair, the 2011 Gold Coast Guineas with Military Rose ($18) and most recently the 2019 Magic Millions Country Cup with Mr Markou ($61).
“I’ve always been the underdog, which I don’t mind, but I’m stoked to get the opportunity to ride Freddie Fox Trot,” Griffin said.
“Les has done his job and now the rest is up to me.”
Freddie Fox Trot will jump from barrier five in the 1400m race where a win will result in the four-year-old gelding being set for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), to be held on June 8 at Eagle Farm.
Griffin didn’t hesitate when asked about Freddie Fox Trot’s chances in a race where horse and jockey will go up against some of the best thoroughbreds and hoops in the country.
It comes after a promising start to the preparation where the gelding has finished third in the Listed Goldmarket at Aquis Park and second in a Class 6 Plate at Eagle Farm over 1200m.
“He should win,” Griffin said. “Going from his last run, if he brings that form he will definitely win.
“At the corner of that race I was outside of the field and he got knocked.
“It probably cost him two lengths and the margin was three. He will appreciate the step up in distance.”