Reggie's Boy on trial for big winter sprints

By Glenn Davis

Sprinter Reggie’s Boy may still be eligible for restricted class but trainer Les Gordy has hopes he can make the grade during the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival. 

Reggie’s Boy has been struggling to find consistency since joining Gordy’s stables 12 months ago from Gosford trainer Angela Davies.

He was a five-time winner in New South Wales and is still eligible for a Class 6 race.

The rising seven-year-old has won only once in a dozen starts for Gordy and that was in a 1400 metre Class 6 Plate at Townsville in April.

Since then, Reggie’s Boy has started three times, finishing last on two occasions and a third behind the Lachie Manzelmann-trained Rubunkar in a 1200 metre Open Handicap at Townsville on May 16.

A son of Your Song, Reggie’s Boy heads to Cairns on Tuesday for the Open Handicap over 1400 metres at Cannon Park.

In his latest appearance, Reggie’s Boy finished a disappointing last of 10 in a 1200 metre Class 6 Handicap at Cluden Park on July 6.

“I thought he was a certainty last start before he was drawn off the track,” Gordy said.

“He ended up being three and four wide, so he was entitled to knock up.

“He’s pulled up well since the run and he’s drawn well in Cairns so I’m sending him up to hopefully improve his rating.”

Gordy, who works as a full-time electrician, will have four starters in Cairns and all will be ridden by Justin Stanley.

“Justin is riding all of them and I think all four have very good chances,” he said.

Gordy is hoping Reggie’s Boy can be part of a three-pronged attack in the $100,000 Cleveland Bay Handicap in Townsville.

“I’m trying to qualify Reggie’s Boy for the Cleveland Bay as I’ll have Captain Bond and Demon Award aiming for it, also,” Gordy said.

“Demon Award is flying in Brisbane at the moment and should get into the Cleveland Bay but I’d like to keep Reggie’s Boy and Captain Bond apart if I can so they can qualify.

“Reggie’s Boy needs to get his rating up that’s why he’s going to Cairns this week so hopefully he’ll make the Cleveland Bay before he goes back to Cairns for the Newmarket.”

The $100,000 Cairns Newmarket over 1400 metres will be run two weeks after the Cleveland Bay Handicap.