Clinton Payne
Tuesday, 1 February 2011

Rosehill based trainer Lee Curtis on Saturday will saddle up his long time stable warhorse Voltabolta for the 49th time of his preparation in a Benchmark 95 Handicap (1500m) at his home track.

Using the 90 days since a horses last run system, Voltabolta’s campaign dates back to September 2008.

“We just ease him up here or there, but he loves it,” Curtis said.

“He’s one of those horses that does better in the stables than he does in the paddock.

“He’s never been better.”

Voltabolta’s recent form confirms Curtis’s opinion that the seven-year-old son of Volcanic Prince is racing in career best form with six placings from his last 10 starts.

“He’ll run his usual honest race on Saturday,” the trainer said.

From 72 career starts, Voltabolta has earned his connections $227,820 having recorded eight wins and 23 placings.

Meanwhile, Curtis is hopeful last Saturday’s impressive Kembla winner Calvo can continue to progress and fill the void left by the lightly raced seven-year-old Black Routine, who had his career ended last week when damaging a tendon.

“It’s disappointing but life goes on,” Curtis said. “He’d had a trial and he was almost ready to race when he did it.

“He was a Saturday horse plus and I was aiming to raise the bar this prep.”

When one door closes, another opens, and Curtis is confident that will be the case with Calvo, who recorded a 2-3/4 length win last Saturday in a lowly 1600 metre maiden.

“I’ve only had him for three runs, but I’m confident he can go through his classes,” he said. “I reckon he’s up to city level, no problems.”