Trainer Darren Weir is quietly confident Black Heart Bart can defend his G1 Underwood Stakes crown at Caulfield this Sunday.

He can join legends Northerly (2001-02) & Aquanita (1961-62) as the only dual-winners from the west on a roll-call going back to 1924.

Black Heart Bart faces an even bigger test than last year’s Underwood (1800m) when he led home a Sunspeed quinella from He Or She.  Hartnell has opened a $1.95 favourite and he’s on the second line at $4.80.

“Hartnell is definitely a stumbling block but we’re really happy with the horse,” Weir said.  “He trialled well at Coleraine earlier this week and will roll forward on Sunday.

“As always, Bart was really brave but didn’t have any luck last time in the Makybe Diva.  He’s been a great horse for the stable winning five Group 1 races and I believe there’s another big one in him.”

Black Heart Bart is a son Blackfriars and has been crowned WA Horse of the Year twice while winning 16 races and $3.71 million.  The Scenic Lodge champion has sired 36 stakes winners and the nearest to him for prizemoney is Playing God ($1.61 million) who has his first runners on debut in the Initial Plate (1000m) at Belmont this Saturday.

Blackfriars heads a Scenic Lodge roster in red-hot form last Saturday.

Snippetson sired Morphettville winner Mondo Magic as part of an interstate treble while Universal Ruler doubled up with Sovereign Hall (Belmont) & Master Magician (Toodyay Cup).  Then on Tuesday, Dash For Cash weighed in with brilliant debut winner Dominant Gene.

Scenic Lodge stands Blackfriars for $12,000 beside Snippetson ($6,000), Universal Ruler ($3,500) & Dash For Cash ($2,500).  All fees (plus gst) and are subject to discount structures.  For further details, contact Jeremy Smith on 0419 943 356.

BLACK HEART BART
WA star (outer) works with Group 1 winner Gailo Chop