By Glenn Davis
Caloundra trainer Darryl Hansen will roll the dice one more time this campaign with Brisbane winter carnival hopeful Bat A Kat at Doomben on Saturday.
Michael Cahill will take over the riding duties from suspended Jeff Lloyd in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1350m).
Hansen has been in great form in recent months mostly with his top sprinter Monsieur Gustave and Bring It Home Pop who are both currently spelling after suffering minor injuries.
“Bring It Home Pop pulled a back muscle in his last start and Monsieur Gustave also is in the paddock with a big of shin soreness,” Hansen said.
Bat A Kat is yet to miss a place in eight starts with three wins and five placings and gave Hansen the impression he would be a genuine winter force following his latest win over Dream Kisses at the Gold Coast on January 6.
The son of Falvelon wasn’t eligible for last week’s Magic Millions carnival at the Gold Coast.
“I thought his last win was very good and he’s still learning,” Hansen said.
“I was thinking about giving him a break after his Gold Coast win but I’ve decided to give him another run and he’ll definitely go for a break after this.”
Bat A Kat was bred in central Queensland by some friends of Hansen, .
“He’s a homebred who was bred by a couple of mates of mine in Rockhampton,” Hansen said.
“He’s out of a good mare, Regal Megan, who won 14 races in central Queensland.
“He pulled up in great order after the Gold Coast win and his race manners have improved also.
“He should get a nice run from barrier six but he’s got his fair share of weight with 59 kilos.”
Hansen also will saddle up Balboa Rocks in the BRC Memberships Benchmark 75 Handicap (2200m) and Divine Service in the Weddings At BRC Benchmark 85 Handicap (1200m).
“Balboa Rocks is a nice filly who will be suited by the journey while Divine Service needed the run last start and will strip a lot fitter this time,” Hansen said.
Balboa Rocks will again be ridden by apprentice Tiffany Brooker who has ridden her at her past two starts including a last start second at the Sunshine Coast on January 5.
Hansen was unable to give Divine Service a barrier trial ahead of his comeback when a close up fourth to Tarzan on his home track on January 7.
Racing Queensland webnews January 18