Busker’s Ballad will be the omen bet in Saturday’s David Balfour Handicap at Morphettville on Saturday.
It was eight years this week since the passing of the former top trainer and jockey and son Ryan said winning the race named in his father’s honour with a stable favourite would be special.
“It’s great to have a race named in dad’s honour,’’ Balfour said.
“I’ve even changed a few of the horses colours, they’ll race in his silks on Saturday. I think it’s important to make the most of day,’’ he said.
Balfour opted to keep Busker’s Ballad in Adelaide despite a lure of bigger money on offer at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
And the Adelaide race sets up well for the horse who finished fifth behind Daqiansweet Junior in the Adelaide Cup earlier in the year, Balfour hoping Bucker’s Ballad can work his way into the Skybeau Series Final on TAB Finals Day next month via Saturday’s heat.
“He was third emergency, so it’s a bit of an ask to chuck them on the float and go over not knowing you’ll get a run,’’ Balfour said.
“And after talking to the owners the Adelaide race looks ideal for him.
“We know he’s really well rated given what he’s done. He should have finished closer in the Adelaide Cup and the Skybeau Series looks ideal for him so that’s going to be his target,’’ he said.