Racing: Backhouse Street can ease trainer's pain

A win by Backhouse Street in the Spirit 621 Southwest Handicap (1420m) at Bunbury this afternoon would provide a welcome tonic for his trainer Graeme Evans.

Picture: Like an Eagle returns to scale at Belmont (story below)

The Bunbury horseman is recovering from seven broken ribs from when he was dislodged by Backhouse Street during bush work near his property several weeks ago.

‘‘He got spooked by something and I was sent crashing to the ground,’’ Evans said.

‘‘I was in pretty bad shape and it took about 30 minutes before I was able to grab my mobile and call for help.

‘‘I’m on the mend but it’s been a slow process.

‘‘A win today would certainly ease the pain somewhat.’’

Backhouse Street showcased his potential with a stunning upset win at Bunbury last October when he powered home from the tail of the field.

The four-year-old, at his first appearance, was the rank outsider of the field and commenced at $82 and $14.20 on the TAB.

But soon after the milestone win, Backhouse Street was struck down by his own misfortune.

‘‘He suffered a near-fatal colic attack and was at the vets for two days fighting for his life,’’ Evans said.

‘‘Just prior to that incident he was found to be suffering a serious back ailment.

‘‘He has endured a tough couple of months.

‘‘I was planning on giving him a decent spell but he recovered in fine order and was ready to go again.

‘‘He is a tough horse considering what he has done since.’’

Backhouse Street resumed for his second outing at Bunbury on January 26 and impressed with a fast-finishing second to Red Mercedes over 1200m.

Backhouse Street settled near last before weaving his way between runners and sprinting to the line in sharp fashion.

Alast-start failure at Ascot over 1400m blotted current form, but did not disappoint Evans

‘‘Contrary to his first two runs he was up on the pace which didn’t suit,’’ Evans said.

‘‘He is better taking a sit and having something to chase.

‘‘I’m not certain if he can run out a strong 1400m and the Perth run didn’t show me anything.

‘‘I’m anticipating from barrier four he can get a cosy run and use his brilliant turn-of-foot.’’

Like an Eagle for the Newmarket

Capel trainer Ross Price has flagged a $1 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap start for his latest star galloper Like An Eagle.

The four-year-old Oratorio gelding turned heads when a stylish winner of last week’s Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington—the first win of Like and Eagle’s Victorian campaign.

Price said just one more good performance — an open handicap at Mooney Valley next Friday — stood between Like An Eagle and the 1200m sprinting feature at Flemington on March 10.