Horse Racing

Not one to be ignored Rebel Raider sent a message to spring racing festival feature runners, as he returned to the track with a superb run in the $115,000 Group Three Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

The 2010 Spring Stakes was the feature race of the season in South Australia and boasted the return of 2010 Melbourne Cup hopeful Rebel Raider.

The five-year-old paired up with champion hoop Clare Lindop once more, who guided the Victorian Derby winner perfectly in his first race back after a long spell.

The son of Reset may have been held off the speed but was strong enough to power home in the straight to little competition, and recorded a length-and-three-quarter win despite drawing the wide barrier.

The David Jolly-trained Xaieta claimed the second spot, while the Darren Kolpin-trained Likable Will finished third. In fourth place was another pre race favourite Silent Surround, but the four-year-old mare failed to cap her spring campaign with a convincing start.

Rebel Raider is on target for big things this spring after the 2010 Spring Stakes win. The locally based horse was a strong favourite for last year’s Melbourne Cup but suffered a leg injury which ruled him out.

Co-trainers Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas will wait a while before deciding where to send the strong Cups contender next. They have pencilled in the $400,000 Group Two Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 4, but check in back here and we will keep you updated!

2010 Spring Stakes Results