BABES BOY BOB ORARI-BOUND
Promising former Southland 1-win pacer Babes Boy Bob may make his debut for the Mark Jones stable in a penalty-free junior drivers 2500m pace at Orari on Saturday week, November 27.
The 4YO Totally Western gelding has been purchased out of Jessica Malcolm’s Invercargill stables by Melbourne owner Merv Butterworth, and will head to the workouts on Saturday in his first official run from his new quarters.
“I met Merv a few years ago. Babes Boy Bob was going to Australia but he’s left him here with me in a last minute decision, so I’ll be doing the best while I’ve got him,” Mark said.
Last season, the Melbourne businessman secured smart 3YO Motu Crusader out of Southland, buying him out of the Winton stable of Tim White.
Motu Crusader, runnerup to For A Reason in the Queensland Derby in July, is currently in Perth preparing for the $A175,000 XXXX Gold Golden Nugget Championship for 4YO’s on November 26.
“If he goes as good as I hope at Orari, we might look at going to Auckland for premier racing up there with him next month,” Mark said.
“He’s a lovely horse to do anything with and has come here in lovely condition.”
Babes Boy Bob attracted buyer interest after pacing his last 800m in 55.6s and final 400m in 27.4s to beat Flying Diamonds and Guns N Roses at the Invercargill workouts late last month.
He then came off the back row when the beaten favourite for second to Pandora’s Diamond in junior drivers pace on November 6 at Forbury Park, the winner rating 2:02.3 for the mobile 2700m.
Babes Boy Bob, who only qualified in August, has raced only six times for a win and three placings.
Mark may have four or five heading to Auckland, depending on their progress over the next couple of weeks.
By Jeff Scott