Bailey discovers key to Overlord in North Queensland

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Alwyn Bailey believes he may have discovered the key to former Sydneysider Overlord who will be out to maintain his unbeaten North Queensland record at Innisfail on Friday.

A $20,000 buy after a career with champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller and Gayna Williams, Overlord will aim to complete a hat-trick of wins in the Class 6 Plate over 1200 metres.

Overlord - a Lacey Morrison mount – was an impressive all the way winner last start in a 1200 metre Class 6 Plate at Townsville on October 6.

“I don’t know why he went so cheaply as he hasn’t had any problems with me,” Bailey said.

“I think he just found it too hard to win in Sydney so the owners certainly have got a good buy.

“Since I’ve had him, we take him to the track as late as possible when there’s no other horses around and just let him go steady.

“When he first came into the stable, he was a mad puller but now he’s much more relaxed.”

Overlord is raced in a syndicate headed by Ryland Thoroughbreds which has been a long-time supporter of the Bailey stable.

“I’ve never met Luke Ryland, who runs the syndicate, but he’s had a few horses with me over the years,” Bailey said.

“I wouldn’t know him if I ran into him but he’s been saying for years he was going to send me a good one and this is it.”

Bailey trains a team of 16 in Cairns while also dabbling in breeding cattle and mowing the local football field.

“I’ve got a few head of cattle I mess around with and mow the local footy field while my sons Andrew and Bodine help out a lot around the stables,” Bailey said.

Bailey paid special tribute to budding apprentice Lucy Giles who has helped transition Overlord into a more seasoned sprinter.

“He’s a hard horse to ride in his work and he doesn’t cop a lot of work,” Bailey said.

“But, Lucy handles him well as she’s done a lot of riding at pony clubs and is a budding apprentice and rides him in all his work.”

Bailey is confident Overlord will be highly competitive in his bid for a hat-trick of wins.

“We had to ride him upside down last start when he led and won at Townsville as it was a leader’s track that day,” Bailey said.

“He’ll be hard to beat again but I’m thinking of easing him up after this run to target the winter carnival here next year.

“I would have preferred this race to be at Cairns but the Innisfail track has a long straight which will suit.”