Balius snares first Sydney win

Balius has claimed a maiden metropolitan win with a strong finish at the mid-week Canterbury meeting.

In his second Sydney start, the gelding was patiently ridden in the pack by leading apprentice Andrew Adkins before surging clear of Mutarakem ($4.40) to win Wednesday’s 1550m-handicap by half a length.

Balius came to town off a close third at Hawkesbury, his home track, on June 11.

“I knew he’d take some beating,” trainer Garry Neale said.

“He was unlucky not to win last time. He got stuck behind but he’s a real fit horse and he showed that.”

Favourite Leucura ($3.10) finished third.

Since being picked up by Neale from Godolphin in mid-2016, Balius has won five of his 12 starts.

“He’s still got a bit of learning to do and he’s still pretty green through his action,” Adkins said.

Neale said there were no specific plans for Balius but a return to the now-lucky Canterbury track was likely.

“He probably got another three or four races in him. We might as well come back,” he said.