Claidheamh Mor will be hoping he can put rivals to the sword in Saturday’s $502,250 Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville.
The well-named son of Dundeel out of Mel’s Pocket goes by the name of Gibson at trainer Gemma Rielly’s stables and is named after the sword actor Mel Gibson wielded in the iconic historical drama Braveheart.
“We give them all stable names when they come into the system, we like to treat them as individuals,’’ Rielly said.
Rielly said the three-year-old has been a work in progress and a horse who would make an even better four-year-old.
“I wouldn’t same say I’m nervous. I’m more focused,’’ Rielly said on RSN.
“When he was a young horse, he had a beautiful action. We tried to get him to the Victorian Derby, but he wasn’t ready.
“I think he’ll be a better four-year-old, he’s come a long way and is on an upward trajectory,’’ she said.
And while she isn’t nervous going into the feature Rielly said that could change if the horse looms large in the home straight at Morphettville on Saturday.
“I won’t be watching the race with anybody,’’ Rielly added.
“If they’re looking like they’re running a place, I’m shocking.
“I’ll be hiding out the back. I’m going to have to find myself a little hiding hole,’’ she said.
