Sprint outsider not making up the numbers

Adelaide trainer Ryan Balfour knows Ready Sunshine faces an uphill battle in a Group One sprint at Caulfield.

Ready Sunshine is the $201 outsider in Saturday’s Oakleigh Plate and is the lowest-rated sprinter in the 1100m-race.

“We are the underdog but I wouldn’t run him in the race if I didn’t think he’d be competitive,” Balfour said.

“We know we’re up against it. We know there’s some high level, exciting horses like Extreme Choice, but he’s fit and well and it’s worth taking a shot.”

Ready Sunshine has recorded six wins, all in Adelaide, from 36 starts and was an eye-catching fourth in the W J Adams Stakes at Caulfield on February 4.

Balfour says importantly Michael Dee, who rides the gelding on Saturday, now has a better understanding of the sprinter after riding him at Caulfield.

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While he is yet to win beyond 1000m, Balfour said Ready Sunshine’s races are not usually run at the right tempo.

“He has to be in a race where there’s good speed otherwise he grabs the bridle too early and pulls too hard,” Balfour said.

“It doesn’t matter what sort of race it is, he’d bring himself undone.

“His run in the Adams was fantastic and Michael has had a feel of him and knows him a bit better.”

Balfour is hoping from barrier 10, Dee can have Ready Sunshine settled a little closer to the speed and produce a strong late burst.

“This is a handicap and with 52 kilos on his back he’s at the dance,” Balfour said.

“Anything’s possible.”