Senior rider policy a key for Doomben win

Trainer Darryl Hansen’s preference to use an experienced rider on Bat A Kat has paid more dividends.

Trainer Darryl Hansen’s commitment to keeping senior riders on promising three-year-old Bat A Kat again proved a winner at Doomben.

Bat A Kat ($6.50) was asked to carry 3kg more than his previous win at the Gold Coast when he was too strong in the James Boag’s Premium Handicap (1350m).

He scored by 1-1/4 lengths to Susurri ($8) with the favourite Cruze ($2.80) a length back in third place.

Hansen said at no stage had he considered employing a claiming apprentice to reduce Bat A Kat’s weight of 59kg.

“He just isn’t a kid’s horse. His only defeat this time in was when he was ridden by an apprentice,” Hansen said.

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“He really wants to win and that was a very good effort today.”

Bat A Kat has had bnne starts and never finished worse than second.

“If he can keep going up in distances the Queensland Guineas might be a race for him,” Hansen said.

“The three-year-old races in Brisbane are strong so the form should hold us.”

Winning jockey Michael Cahill was most impressed with Bat A Kat’s win.

“He really wants to win and that is always a plus,” Cahill said.