Trainer with one horse to take on the big guns at Randwick races

Veteran trainer Charlie Porter will saddle-up his only runner in the Precise Air Handicap (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Four-year-old Mr Polar is the only horse Porter currently has in work, boasting seven wins from his 33 starts and banking $175,500 in stakes for his connections.

Porter has been retired for 20 years but continues to train as a hobby.

The Newcastle-based trainer actually sold his float before Mr Polar entered his stable, expecting the worst from the son of Polarmore.

“I watched some of Polarmore’s races when this horse was getting broken in,” Porter said.

“I had a good float and I finished up and I said, ‘these bloody horses are worth nothing’, so I turned around and sold my float.

“As it turns out he’s the only one that’s done any good!”

Randwick was rated a Soft 5 when acceptances were announced this morning, but with no rain forecast a Good track could be possible on Saturday.

Mr Polar has notched up five of his seven wins when racing on a Good rated track.

The son of Polarmore has struggled to draw a barrier in his recent runs and wasn’t dealt any favours for Saturday, drawing barrier 10 with Jean Van Overmeire in the saddle.

Porter said he’s struggled to get Mr Polar fit, but the four-year-old’s toughness has kept him in good stead.

“What the problem has been, these horses, they get older, they take a bit more work to get them fit,” he said.

“The tracks have been so wet that you miss trials, then when you want the grass you can’t get it because it’s wet.

“Then when the grass is available you’re not ready, it just puts you back.

“He’s been a bloody good horse.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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