Leek looks for little luck

NAR NAR GOON’s trainer John Leek is counting on a little luck as he returns to Caulfield for his second 1200-metre Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Stakes this weekend.
With more than $1 million on offer Leek will race two-year-old Sprit Cent, bred by Berwick’s Ray Collins, in the horse’s first group one race.
“This is the biggest race in Victoria for two-year-olds – it’s a serious race,” Leek said.
“We are racing against million dollar bred horses. Spirit cent is a moderately bred horse but he’s going great.”
After riding Spirit Cent for a win in Ballarat last month, Michelle Payne will take the reins again for the stakes, starting from barrier 13.
“He has drawn a wide barrier, barrier 13, which is a bit of a bad draw,” Leek said.
“But, if he’s in it, he is always in for a chance.”
This year Spirit Cent has placed in all three of his races and Leek is confident he is in good form.
“This time in work he has had three runs, a second at Cranbourne, a first in Ballarat, and third at Moonee Valley. He’s got a bit of form going into the race,” Leek said.
“Any horse that is lucky enough to win in this race will have a stud future as well. You see outsiders get up and win so it would be no surprise if he did.”
Leek has a long family history in the racing industry. His son Matthew is also a trainer and is the fifth generation of the family to be involved in the sport.
“It’s something you get involved at a very young age and get addicted to, it’s a great sport.”
The last time Leek entered the Blue Diamond stakes was in 1993 with Clever Zoe who had a moderate run. – Ben Hope