Black Onyx Photo by Club Menangle
WITH five wins already ‘ in the bank’, you can see why young reinsman Lleyton Green freely admits that promising gelding Black Onyx is his favourite horse.
So, co-trainers Dean and Kerry McDowell would not dare letting someone else drive their well-bred son of boom sire Bettors Delight when he chases anther success at Tabcorp Park Menangle today.
At just 18-years-of-age Green is building up an impressive strike rate and is fast closing in on 100 career winners and has found a happy home working with the McDowells’ team at their Mulgoa stables.
“They have been so good to me, they’re like family,” said Green.
“Our No 1 driver Colin McDowell is always so busy with running Allied Express couriers that he has been giving me a few more drives lately and I’m really enjoying that.”
Green has four serious chances for the McDowells today with Black Onyx at $1.75 in Race 6, one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day.
“We’re hoping to take him up to Queensland for their Derby if he can get a run there,” he said.
“I sure hope I’ll be driving him if we do get a run.
“He is my favourite, he’s such a cool horse around the stables.
“He knows what he has to do and I love the fact he’s so versatile. He can sit outside them and can come from behind and drop in a really quick quarter when it’s needed.
“When I led at his last run, I sort of sat up on him and he got home in 26.8s.
“That’s what I like about this horse. And he knows I love him.”
Green says Twilight Heaven (Race 4) is no superstar but is drawn to be a strong chance in Race 4.
“I do give her a chance today,” he said.
Bettors Pocket ($21) also looks over the odds in Race 5.
“He’s gone 1:50 before and might not be going as well as he was but if he could lead, I think he can win.
“And Bertie Jones in Race 7 loves the speed on so has to be some chance as well.
“If we’re close enough, I think he’s good enough.”
Green has landed a few Menangle doubles but dares to dream there could be even more in store.
“I’m getting used to the racing there now and it helps to know your form,” he said.
