Shane: It’s not the right race for Darci’s Boy - he needs further on the turf

Trainer Shane Baertschiger isn’t expecting much from Darci’s Boy at Kranji on Friday night even though he strikes a small field mostly devoid of form.

The six-year-old tackles an 1100 metre race on the polytrack (6.50pm NZ time) which Baertschiger says won’t suit him one little bit.

“It will be too short - he’s a miler - but it was the only race for him.

“If he can get up outside the leader, he’s a small chance but he won’t be as fresh as the other day.’’

Darci’s Boy had his first run from Baertschiger’s stable on March 22 when, over 1200 metres, he disputed the pace on the outer, took over on the turn, and was swamped late into third.

“He only races well when on the speed but he had to do too much work to get there last time.’’

Baertschiger says Darci’s Boy will be a much better chance next time when he will step the horse up to 1400 metres on the turf.

Stablemate O’Reilly’s Dancer, who contests the eighth race at 8.55pm NZ time, has even less chance, says Baertschiger.

“He doesn’t handle the polytrack and he’s coming back to 1800 metres.

“There are no turf races until May so we’re just using it as a trial because he needs a run.’’

O’Reilly’s Dancer, an 18-start maiden, ran last of 12 in his most recent outing on March 15.

“We went forward on him last time but we’ll ride him quieter on Friday and see if he can handle the track.’’

Baertschiger withdrew Silent Prince from his race because he was running a temperature.