Victorian trainer Nick Tardio is enjoying his relocation to South Australia having good success with claiming pacers Arnoux and Kissed Flush.
On Saturday night at Globe Derby Park, Arnoux ($6.30) flew the gates from six under hard driving by Wayne Hill in the Troy Horse Products Claiming Pace (1800m) to lead throughout and score a 7-1/2 metre win from Cromac Jamie ($17.70) with Run Riley Run ($3.60) 3-1/2 metres away third.
“He’s been a good buy for just $1500,” Tardio said. “He’s won two in a row and with a few placings he has more than paid for himself.
“He can get bit keen when he goes in the bike for trackwork and I think other trainers have preferred other training methods with him.
“Fortunately I’m still young enough and strong enough to keep him under control. It takes a bit of work but I think it helps. Also I keep him in a paddock rather than a box.”
Tardio, who comes from Balliang, near Melton, said he had trained for some time but did have a break for about four years.
“I’ve come to Adelaide for personal reasons to see my kids,” Tardio said.
“I’m living on my cousin’s property at Lewiston and it has been good to mix training with family.
“Two of my kids play basketball and it has been good to see them.
“I have made no decision on how long I will be in South Australia but at this stage it will be at least until the end of the season.”
Tardio purchased Arnoux and Kissed Flush along with his partner Helen Moustos.
“It is Helen’s first venture into ownership so she is having a great time.”
