Bairndale-owned galloper Highland Blaze continued his rich vein of form last week at Sandown, racing away late to win a 3000-metre handicap.
The home bred five-year-old was formerly prepared by Jackson Pallot prior to his retirement, and now is in the Warrnambool yard of former champion jumps jockey Shane Jackson.
In his last four starts Highland Blaze has won two city races and placed second on two occasions (Sandown and Geelong).
Highland Blaze has been ridden in recent starts by another Irishman, Tom Madden, who positioned the gelding at the back of the five-horse field, before allowing him to improve from the 600 metres.
Jackson was delighted with the win and flagged a possible Adelaide Cup run (March 10) for the horse affectionately named “Stanley”.
“He’s a tough horse who can stay. The Adelaide Cup is a possibility, he may not be classy enough but if it comes down to last man standing he will be whacking away,” Jackson said.
Highland Blaze has been a good money spinner for connections, the four-time winner has now amassed $237,840 from just 32 starts.
