Danny Frye hopes the worst of Gallant Babe's bad luck is in the past after her win at Kurow yesterday.
Frye, who trains at Balcairn, took the 6yr-old mare to Riccarton and Ashburton earlier this month and the comment line for both races featured the word ''blocked''.
''The two previous runs, the poor girls, Courtney [Barnes] and Toni [Direen], have been blocked for room each time,'' Frye said.
''She should have won a couple more than she has at this stage - she's not lacking in ability. Hopefully that might be the bad luck behind us.''
Gallant Babe traces back to a strong White Robe Lodge family through her dam Mega Babe, who was owned by Pat Smith. The mare died in 2013.
''He breeds and owns this family and we race it on lease from Pat. It's a good handy breed, all right.''
Gallant Babe's full brother, Gallant Boy, is in race 1 at Waikouaiti tomorrow for Wingatui trainers Brian and Shane Anderton.
Frye reported his daughter, Ashley, is continuing to mend well after her race fall at Ashburton in March and is now living in the Central Districts.
The 19-year-old moved in November with partner and fellow jockey Matthew Cropp.
''Matthew's got on to a really good job at the Wanganui-Waverley Hunt Club,'' Frye said.
''They've got 20-odd acres to play around with with one or two horses - just basically sport horses.
''Ashley's following the races but it's not as intense as what it was. She's having a life outside racing at this stage. Whether she comes back - well, she's only 19. Sammy Wynne is 24 and just hitting her straps. She'll be all right - she's going well.''
Eight-year-old bounces backWhile Gallant Babe had been without luck, King Montrose had simply not been shaping up in his recent efforts, although it seems he must be able to read.
His trainer, Neill Ridley, put him on notice in the media on Monday, suggesting the 8yr-old's future could be over the jumps.
''We'll see what happens and if it doesn't go right then he may be going hurdling,'' Ridley told the New Zealand Racing Desk.
''He'd be handy enough for a round at least!''
Those plans may have to be shelved after King Montrose galloped clear in the $25,000 Kurow Cup to win by a head from the fast-finishing Keepa Tramp.
Owner on winning runJohn Pitman does not have to worry about underperforming horses for now.
Pitman, who has his horses with brother Michael and nephew Matthew at Yaldhurst, won with Berenice on Boxing Day, Setarime at Timaru on Sunday and Sir Singo yesterday.
John Pitman has Berenice and Lukander accepted for Waikouaiti tomorrow.
Williams suspendedRolleston jockey Kylie Williams was suspended for two race days for her ride in race 4 at Kurow yesterday.
Williams admitted allowing Kirkie to shift in at the 1250m mark, pushing Gold Rock in on to Double Blue. Also affected was Gallant Dan.
Williams' suspension starts on Sunday and she will be free to resume on January 8.
