GRAFTON: Gorborchov Goes For A Double
Story By Tony White
Monday, 13 October 2008: Gorborchov, chasing back-to-back wins at Grafton on Tuesday, was bought by Randall from one of his major stable supporters, Stuart Ramsay. Randall's wife Emma and father Pat now share ownership.
After stints with Paul Perry and Allan Denham, Gorborchov made his debut for Randall at Ballina on August 16.
While Randall's first thoughts were Gorborchov was a pure sprinter, after consultation with Denham he entered the gelding in a 1300m race at Ballina on August 16 and decided to experiment by removing a tongue-tie.
Sent out as $3 favourite, Gorborchov stunned Randall and his backers finishing last, beaten over 21 lengths after jockey Darron Coleman eased the gelding down in the straight.
Coleman later told stewards Gorborchov was making an abnormal breathing noise and he was concerned with its action.
"He flew to the corner, choked down, stopped and ran out of breath," Randall recalled. "I shouldn't have taken the tongue-tie off him."
Stewards ordered Gorborchov to trial. The gelding gave a true indication of his ability winning the 1000m trial by 12 lengths in 57.42 seconds on September 27 carrying heavyweight rider Michael Campbell.
"Michael got off and said I don't care where or in what you start him in, he'll be winning," Randall said.
Returning to Ballina on October 6, Gorborchov equalled the 15-year-old track record held by Gypsy Baroness and Stadam in winning over 1000m in 56.8 seconds.
"He's sound but he's just got bad feet," Randall said.
"I shoe him myself, loose, about a size bigger than he takes and it seems to have done the trick.
"Because he's such a big horse - over 560 kilos - he can jar up.
"I'm still working out what's best for him but I think we've got him right.
"It's nice to take a horse to the races knowing he can win.
"If he wins tomorrow, we might look at Brisbane.
"Maybe down the track he could line up in the Kirby (Grafton). That would be great."
Darron Coleman will partner Gorborchov in the XXXX Gold Rating 65 Handicap (1000m) where he is expected to start favourite in a keen betting race.
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