Hill backs Taillevent for a sterner test

Trainer Bruce Hill has put his faith in Taillevent as an open company performer as the gelding aims to end a sequence of unlucky city runs on Saturday.

Hill believes Taillevent is one of the most talented yet unlucky horses he has had in his stables in recent years.

“I know trainers often say it about their horses but this bloke has really been unlucky,” Hill said.

“Have a look at his record. He has won five times but he has been minor placed 15 times and his record is littered with fourths and fifths.”

“The horse always has a dig and you can never say he doesn’t give 100 per cent. It is just bad barriers and bad luck playing against him.”

Hill entered Taillevent for the Shangri-La Gardens Handicap (1200m) and a Class Six at Doomben but elected to go with the harder race.

“His form is good for the race especially when he gets in on the minimum,” Hill said.

Taillevent won the Murwillumbah Newmarket three runs back where he landed some tidy bets.

He was then an unlucky fourth to boom horse Freddie Foxtrot at Doomben before going down by a nose when second in an open handicap at that track two weeks ago.

Taillevent has won on tracks rated firm to soft but Hill doesn’t believe he is s genuine wet tracker.

“It is a strong form line and this is his chance as long as it isn’t too wet.

Taillevent was bred by owners Michael Buys and Robert Wills who raced his dam Dutchy’s Lass as well as her sire Dutch Harry.

Buys and Wills have several horses with Hill including veteran Bodega Negra who tackles the Wynnum Haulage Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.’

“He loves wet tracks so expect an improvement,” Hill said.

Taillevent and Bodega Negra have proved great money spinners having won close to $600,000 in prizemoney between them.