Comfort Me might be approaching nine years of age, but the evergreen gelding continues to defy the odds with his consistency and will line up once again in Saturday’s Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m) at Belmont.

With eight career wins and over $1.6 million in prizemoney, including three Group 1 placings in the Railway Stakes, Comfort Me has proven a reliable performer for trainer Rhys Radford. Despite drawing barrier 20 in a full field of 16 plus four emergencies, Radford is confident the old warrior will once again show his grit.

“He’s never taken a backward step throughout his whole life,” Radford told Tabradio. “While he’s still happy to be out there and still going well I can’t see why we wouldn’t keep pushing ahead.”

After two unplaced runs to start the campaign, Comfort Me returned to form with a third placing in the Northam Stakes, finishing behind Saturday rivals West Star and Magnificent Andy.

“I wasn’t overly disappointed with his first two runs,” Radford said. “They might have gone quick for him over the shorter trips. He’s ticking all the boxes and going very well.”

Radford is thrilled with the gelding’s fitness and attitude leading into the Belmont Sprint, noting his final gallop on Wednesday was “extra good.”

“I couldn’t be happier with him, just wished we had a better starting point,” he said.

Comfort Me will be partnered by Holly Watson, looking to overcome the tough draw and deliver another strong effort in what is shaping as a quality winter feature.

To back Comfort Me or explore the odds for the Belmont Sprint, check out the best options at top Australian betting sites.