Burnett On Cusp Of ‘Bool Cup Redemption

DAVID Burnett has waited 23 long years for Warrnambool Cup redemption and is confident his brilliant front running sprinter Simon Told Helen can deliver just that in Wednesday night's group 2 decider.

In 1997, Burnett rugged up prolific winning chaser Jack Benjamin for the famous event at the ‘Bool, the raging hot favourite uncharacteristically missing the start before finishing a gallant third to the locally trained Another Currency.

"The dog never missed the start … but he did that night," Burnett said of the 33-time winning son of Head Honcho.

"He had the red and came out two or three lengths behind them. He was my first dog and I named him after my son. He was nearly unbeatable around Warrnambool, he was a great dog.

"Since that night Warrnambool has always been a race I've wanted to win … hopefully I can tick that box on Wednesday night."

And with Burnett declaring Simon Told Helen in perfect order for Wednesday night's star studded finale, the five-time group winning superstar looks poised to add to his already extensive collection of silverware.

"We're back on track for this week," beamed a confident Burnett.

"There were a few little issues we've had to iron out since last week and I'm confident we've got to the bottom of them.

"He had a little groin injury and his blood was out a bit but we've worked on that this week and he's right to go. There's no excuses."

Drawn box one for Wednesday night's showcase final, the same draw Jack Benjamin had 23 years ago, Simon Told Helen is quoted a firm $2.50 favourite with race sponsor TAB ahead of budding young star Zambora Smokey at $2.80.

In a stirring heat contest last Thursday, Zambora Smokey charged down the centre of the track to defeat Simon Told Helen by 2 ½ lengths, posting a best of night 25.08 on a rain affected track.

For Simon Told Helen, it was his first race appearance since winning the Group 1 Perth Cup at Cannington five weeks earlier.

"I'd say he was at about 85 percent for last week," Burnett offered.

"It was his first run for five weeks and he was down on the fence on a heavy track which isn't his go either.

"It's the second section where he needs to find something on Wednesday. When he won his maiden at Warrnambool last year he went 11.21 to the second mark and in the heats on Thursday he only went 11.49.

"If he can find the 4-5 lengths I know he can to the second section I'd be disappointed if he doesn't win. He's feeling a million dollars!"

Following Wednesday night's Warrnambool Cup assignment, Simon Told Helen will then head towards next week's Group 1 Harrison-Dawson heats at Sandown before any decision is made on a potential trip to Brisbane for their revamped winter carnival due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's the worst year to have a good dog," Burnett lamented.

"I love racing in Brisbane and the dog won the Derby there in December but I doubt he'll go if I have to transfer him to another trainer which is the way the rules are at the moment.

"We've still got five or six weeks so hopefully by then some of the restrictions have been lifted and things change."

Wednesday night's Warrnambool Cup program also sees the return to racing of Burnett's sprinting machine Who Told Stevie, drawn box one in race seven over the 450 metres.

"I won't be too popular nominating him for a 4/5th grade but I wanted to give him an easy return and he's eligible to go in it," Burnett said.

"He hasn't raced since January but is coming along well. He's been trialling 1-2 lengths faster than Simon Told Helen which has been the case their whole life.

"I took him to Warrnambool to trial last Thursday but decided not to put him around when all the rain started. He had a hit out on Saturday and has come through it well."

Burnett admits it will be an eerie feeling winning Wednesday night's Warrnambool Cup in the absence of a crowd but is committed to making the most of it if successful.

"My daughter Kate is coming to catch the dog so there's someone to celebrate with if we are lucky enough to win," Burnett said.