Scotty Ewen knows his old marvel Bulletproof Boy has a habit of defying the odds.
The fact he’s 11 years-old and lining up for his 231st start in Friday night’s $1.25 million Group 1 Nullarbor is remarkable enough.
And Bulletproof Boy has done something none of his Nullarbor rivals have, beaten Australasia’s greatest pacer Leap To Fame on his merits just a few months ago.
Throw in his breathtaking last-to-first win in the recent Newcastle Mile and you can see the amazing ride he’s taken Ewen on.
He’s banked $973,266 and more than $600,000 of it has come in the past two years, at an age most horses have long been retired. He will top the magical $1 million regardless where he finishes on Friday.
“Everyone talks about his age, but you wouldn’t know when you see him around the place,” Ewen said.
“On the track he’s like a two-year-old. He feels young and races like it.”
The Cranbourne-based Ewen was stoked to just land the TAB Touch slot in the Nullarbor and said Bulletproof Boy had thrived since arriving in Perth last Friday.
“It’s reward for all the amazing things he’s done, especially over the past six months,” he said. “Nobody took much notice of him for so long, but it’s just so great for the horse to get some acknowledgement now.
“I can’t pinpoint why, but he’s never raced better.”
Although there is no Leap To Fame this week, Bulletproof Boy faces WA’s two superstars and winners of the past three WA Pacing Cups between them, Minstrel and Magnificent Storm.
Ewen was hoping for a good barrier, but it remained upbeat despite Bulletproof Boy drawing very wide in gate eight.
“He’s never had much luck with draws, but still won $970,000, so clearly he can overcome them,” he said.
“I don’t think it will hurt too much. The two big guns look like they’ll be up front, going at each other and putting the pace on. That’s what we need.
“His great strength is his speed and his big finishing burst when he’s saved for the last run at them. That’s how it should play out.”
Ewen is also glad his “secret weapon”, Australia’s premier driver James Herbertson, is making the trip from Victoria to partner Bulletproof Boy.
“Herbie has been such a big part of this horse going to that next level, they’ve really clicked,” he said.
“Herbie is just a freak. We’re going to need a lot to go right, but it gives you a lot more confidence they will with Herbie driving him.”
Gloucester Park’s tight track doesn’t faze Ewen, either.
“No, not at all,” he said. “He spent the first six or seven years of his career racing on small tracks in SA, it’s like going back home for him. I’m sure it won’t worry him.”
Bulletproof Boy is the oldest of a remarkable list of veterans in the Nullarbor.
Minstrel and Magnificent Storm are both nine, star NSW raider Max Delight is 10 and Mighty Ronaldo is eight.
Bulletproof Boy will stay in Perth after the Nullarbor for next Friday’s $300,000 Group 1 Fremantle Cup.
