Burridge flies off to The Big W

Michael Lee
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Trainer Steven Burridge was a man in a hurry after The Big Gee scored a thrilling win in the penultimate race on Wednesday.

He would no doubt be forgiven by the connections of the big-striding galloper who is turning into a very handy sort following his third success from 16 starts.

“I’m off to the airport, mate. I’ve got a flight to catch at midnight,” said Burridge as he scurried off to the carpark the minute The Big Gee was unsaddled following his winning effort in the $95,000 Kranji Stakes B (1200m).

“My daughter Tara is getting married in Vanuatu! I’ve got to go!

“But that was the perfect way to wrap the night before I fly off. It was a very good win.”

The Big Gee (Michael Cahill - No 8) is about to get the better of Ntini (Jacky Low) on the rails.

On any other day, the affable Burridge is never one to be hard-pressed in giving a debrief on his winners, but as impressive as The Big Gee’s last-gasp win was down the straight, more prominent in his mind - and understandably so - was him walking down the aisle with his daughter!

It was left to the next “best man” to talk about the win – jockey Michael Cahill.

“He was as usual very relaxed at the back. I got him to switch off nicely,” said Cahill. “The fast clip suited him as well.

“Being a big horse, he needs to be taken wide to get a clear run. The leader (Ntini) was still going great guns, but my fellow did a fine job to cut him down.

“He did get a little tired towards the end, but he got up right on the line.”

Cahill struck a purple patch in October racking up seven winners from one treble and two doubles, but had found the winning post somewhat elusive at his last three meetings.

“I had six seconds and it was getting a little frustrating, but that’s racing,” said Cahill.

“It was only over two weeks I didn’t ride a winner and if that was a lean spell, then I’d be happy to have such lean spells!”

Ntini with young apprentice Jacky Low up led from the off but was taken on by Dream Lad (Robbie Fradd) for most of the way. The Big Gee was second-last spotting the leaders the best part of eight lengths.

Rounding the home turn, Dream Lad drifted out, a sure sign he had had enough, leaving Ntini to scoot clear at the 200m. But his leadership looked precarious when the backmarkers led by The Big Gee came swooping down.

Ntini battled gamely but ended up beaten by a short head by The Big Gee right at the wire, with Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint winner Oneninetyfive (Erasmus Aslam) showing a return to form, running on solidly for an encouraging third, half-a-length away.

The Big Gee is raced by the Big Valley Stable and has now brought his prizemoney past the $120,000 mark.