The Newcastle Harness Racing Club staged two keenly contested heats of the Tommy Reay Memorial Sapling Stakes on Friday evening.

First starter Micks Cruza (Mcwicked) drew first blood when he led all the way for a narrow by deserved win in the opening heat. In a race characterised by a number of runners galloping and putting themselves out of business.

MICKS CRUZA 20 FEB REPLAY

Beginning quickly from barrier 5, Micks Cruza was taken to the lead by driver Nathan Xuereb. Unjust Enrichment sat behind the leader while favourite Ifsbutsandbillycans settled back before being sent to race outside the leader.

The well supported Life At Midnight lost all chance when he broke shortly after the start.

Lochinvar Coogee unleashed a strong run along the back straight to race into contention out wide but Micks Cruza had plenty of kick and he seemed to hold the others at bay. However Unique Enrichment took the inside run and he made a late dive but Mick Cruza held on by a head with  Ifsbutsandbillycans holding on for third.

Micks Cruza is out of the Roll With Joe mare Miss Dijoe who also left the dual winner Lilys Reason (For A Reason). Micks Cruza ran 1.59 for the mile trip. He’s trained by Michael Xuereb who part owns the gelding.

The second heat was won in stylish fashion by the promising filly Bettorcheckherout (Sweet Lou) who had won her only previous start at Newcastle earlier in the month.

BETTERCHECKHEROUT 20 FEB REPLAY

Given plenty of time to settle down by driver Will Rixon she was allowed to stride up alongside the leader No Good Reason who for her first start showed impeccable manners to take up the running. The well backed Passion And Pain trailed Bettorcheckherout and looked a serious threat on the final bend but Bettorcheckherout packed too many guns and she had a bit in hand beating Passion And Pain by over six metres with No Good Reason in third.

Bettorcheckherout ran notably faster than the first heat in 1.57. Trained by Ty Robson who was originally from the Hunter Valley the win completed a double both Robson and driver Will Rixon they prevailed in the fast class race with Haveyoucheckedin (Hurrikane Kingcole) who overwhelmed his rivals in the home straight.

Bettercheckherout is the first progeny of her dam the New Zealand bred Kayla Maguire (Bettors Delight) to make it to the track. Kayla Maguire won eight races with a best time of 1.56.5. She also has yearling filly by Stay Hungry.

The $30,600 final will be held next Friday at Newcastle where they will stage their big night including the $100,000 Group 2 Newcastle Mile.

Racing Manager Kim Treweek is hoping for a top class field.

We’re not sure yet about Leap To Fame coming back. At this stage he’s a 50-50 chance of coming over. It’s possible we might get Don Hugo. It’s looking likely that Rakero Rocket will be here. We’ve also been talking to the connections of the Victorian Bulletproof Boy.

Treweek is hoping for a field in the Trotters Mile which would see the introduction of Trotters races in the Hunter region. As an added bonus the winner would receive an automatic invitation to the Group 1 Hammerhead Mile at Menangle on 14 March.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink