The Odyssey

Friday, 29 May 2020

When Fred Best Classic fancy The Odyssey was beaten at the Gold Coast last start rider Stephanie Thornton feared she would lose the ride on the star colt.

The Odyssey is a firming $8.50 chance in the Best Classic where he is being tested at 1350 metres for the first time.

Thornton has ridden The Odyssey five times for four wins and a very close second in the Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) a fortnight ago.

“When Steph first rode him for a win she asked if she could stay on him in every race,’’ trainer Kelly Schweida said.

“I told her she could keep the ride until she was beaten on him. The first thing she said when she came in after the last start was to ask me if I was going to sack her.

“Steph gets on really well with this horse. She seems to be able to get him to relax and that’s why I am happy to give the pair a go at running the 1350 metres.’’

If successful Thornton will become the fourth female rider to win the Best Classic.

Previous females to win were Cathy Tremayne (1994 Ferragamo), Leanne Henry (2001 Marlina) and Lacey Morrison (2003 Proudly Agro).