When people hear the name Ricky Bobby, most think of the Will Ferrell-portrayed NASCAR driver in the comedy film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
. Although, if the Peruvian Hanover three-year-old keeps on rolling for new trainer Tony Montini, the colt may be making his own headlines.
Since acquiring the colt in mid to late October, Montini has raced the colt twice. Both times the homebred was the post time choice and both times he raced like it. Ricky Bobby's first start for Montini came October 28 at Flamboro Downs in a conditioned non-winners of two races event. The colt made the lead before the half and drew off by more than three lengths in a 1:57.3 mile.
On November 12 over the larger five-eighths mile Georgian Downs oval, Ricky Bobby was again in a conditioned non-winners of two races event. Having earned the lead before the three-quarters pole, the colt again drew off by over three lengths and went on to lower his mark with a 1:54.3 mile.
“I know Ron Molendyk, who bred and owns him,” Montini told the Woodbine Entertainment Group's publicity department. “He had run the idea of my taking him on, past me previously. He said he thought Ricky Bobby was better than he was showing.
“I had a look at his lines, and sporadically he has shown ability. He didn’t initially strike me as a stakes prospect, but last week at Georgian, he really impressed me with that 1:54.3 mile."
Ricky Bobby, who has drawn Post 6, is the 8-5 morning line favourite in the first of two $25,000 eliminations for the Ontario Sired Autumn Series for three-year-old pacing colts, this Saturday night at Woodbine Racetrack.
“We didn’t really change his equipment, but at my place he can train with other horses, which has helped him. Ron only has a few horses and he can only drive one at a time," Montini said.
“The other concern Ron had, was getting the same driver every week for the colt. That’s easier for someone like me. We’ve managed to get Jody Jamieson in the bike for Ricky Bobby at three different tracks now, and Jody, of course, gets a lot of respect in a race.
“He’s come along pretty nicely. So we’re going to see if he’s ready for something bigger.”
The Autumn Series eliminations have been carded as Races 3 and 6, with respective post times of 8:12 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
To view the harness racing entries for Woodbine's Saturday card, click here
(With files from WEG)