by Karen Briggs, WEG media

Toronto, ON — Whatever Anthony Montini is doing with Ricky Bobby is obviously working.

Since the Peruvian Hanover colt made the move to Montini’s barn at the end of October, he has scored two consecutive victories, each by more than three lengths, in conditioned events at Flamboro and Georgian Downs. That equals the number of wins he had previously accumulated in 20 tries. In the latest, on November 10, Ricky Bobby posted a new lifetime speed badge of 1:54.3.

“I know Ron Molendyk, who bred and owns him,” says Montini. “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.

“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.

“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.”

Ricky Bobby is the 8-5 morning line favorite in the first of two C$25,000 eliminations for the Ontario Sired Autumn Series, for 3-year-old pacing colts, this Saturday night (Nov. 21) at Woodbine Racetrack.

He’ll be looking to extend his win streak to three when he leaves from post six in a field of seven.

The Autumn Series eliminations are scheduled as races three and six, post times 8:12 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. (EST).