Ross counts blessings with Defence Missile

Trainer Les Ross keeps counting his blessings that smart three-year-old Defence Missile is in his stable.

Defence Missile ($4.40) made it two wins in a row and took his prize money and bonus payments past $200,000 when he won the Marcoola SLSC Nippers Handicap (1000m) at the Sunshine Coast.

Ross and owner Mick Crooks spotted Defence Missile in a paddock when the gelding as a weanling and made the owner an offer,

“Mick got him for $12,000 so he really is a bargain buy now. We were lucky to find him to start off and then we had a good offer for him but they felt he was too light and they wanted a heavier horse,” Ross said.

“So I have been lucky to have him still in the stables and I think he will win a few more. How good the opposition as time will tell.”

Ross said Defence Missile had been in work for eight months and was howing no signs of being tired.

“He can go around again in a fortnight.”

Apprentice Taylor Marshall completed a double on Defence Missile after earlier winning on Seductive Dream.