Black Heart Bart who had originally been turned out for a spell, after being a classy winner on New Year’s Day, came back to win the Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m)at Ascot yesterday.
“I train from the paddock,” was in-form trainer Vaughn Sigley’s quip after his charge, ridden by Glenn Smith, careered away to another impressive Listed Race –his third black type victory. His previous class wins being in the Carbine Stakes and Summer Scorcher at the Ascot Summer Carnival.
Certainly Sigley was vindicated in his decision to return the galloper to racing after having only a few weeks freshener. Black Heart Bart, with a time of 1.09.64 broke the previous race record time of 1.09.69 set by Escadaire (NZ) in 2011.
Watermans Bay and Sireeze trailed in Black Heart Bart’s wake and they never really troubled him in the run home.
Smith said after the race the best is yet to come for the four year son of Blackfriars. “I was confident at the 450m mark when I pulled him out and the only worry I had was on the fitness score as he had been tipped out before Vaughn decided to bring him back.” It was the third time Smith had piloted the gelding to victory.
Sigley is now setting his sights on provincial features, the Pinjarra Classic later this month, and the Bunbury Stakes in March.
“It will depend on the weight he is given and I always have the option to tip him out again,” the trainer said.
Black Heart Bart has won $361,450 prize money from his five victories and seven placings in only 16 starts.
by John Elsegood