Barron bookends Addington card

West Melton trainer Ken Barron bookended the card at Addington last night with two sons of Always B Miki, both driven by Blair Orange.

Ringleader won the first race easily despite starting off the unruly mark.

“He caused a false start last week which is unusual for him because he’s never done a thing wrong in his life. Blair thought it was the clock on the mobile. They warned him and put him on the unruly last week all in one hit. I wasn’t going to back him up, but there were only nine in it so I thought he might as well go round again, so he did,” said Barron.

At the line, Ringleader had a length and a quarter advantage over second favourite Micky Holler.

RINGLEADER REPLAY

Bred by Breckon Farms, Ringleader is owned by Barron, Ross McCutcheon, Ian and Vicky Maw, Brian and Bernie Leonard and Murray and Sue Anderson. He was a $50,000 purchase at the Karaka Yearling Sales.

“Sue and Bernie went to school together and they’ve been friends since high school.”

Ringleader qualified as a two year old and was given three starts for two fifths and a fourth.

“He’s like a lot of horses and was a victim of showing too much when he was young. We raced him as a two year old and he wasn’t strong enough or precocious enough. We tried to get the bonus (for two year olds) but we couldn’t get it, so that’s why we ended up turning him out. He’ll get better and better like the Mikis do.”

There’s certainly plenty to like about Ringleader’s pedigree.

He’s out of Lady Cullen, making him a half to Belle Of Montana, the winner of ten including four Group One features.

“He should be a very nice horse. If you’re going to be very critical of him, he lacks a bit of point to point speed but he’s tough, he’s got the manners and the gait. He ran a 54 half when he was two. He’s got a bit of everything and if he keeps developing we’ll be right.”

In Race Ten Still B Miki had to be tough to win.

Driver Blair Orange snagged the gelding back from a mid-field barrier draw.

“There was too much gate speed inside of him, so he took hold, got into the three wide train and then attacked for the lead. He’s dumber than the other one. I didn’t think he could lead because he just switches off even at home.”

STILL BE MIKI REPLAY

In a blanket finish where just over two lengths covered the field, Still B Miki held on to win by three quarters of a length from Bruciebytheseaside.

Still B Miki was bred by Eric Parr of Parr Bloodstock and is out of his Live Or Die mare Still Laughlin which won seven for the Parr/Barron combination.

“She was a good mare, but she just hasn’t been as good in the broodmare paddock. Her last two foals (Still Rockin 12 wins and Still B Miki 2) have been her best.”

“I think both horses won with more in hand because they’re just so laid back.”

Barron has three horses in his barn by Always B Miki; Still B Miki, Ringleader and Cee Whata Mickee. All have now won two races each from limited starts.

“They’ve got a lot of bottom to them. Some of them aren’t that good gaited but our ones are.”

Barron says Ringleader will go out for a spell. Meanwhile there’s been some buyer interest in Still B Miki.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink