All Stars assault begins
The All Stars have arrived in Brisbane. The all-conquering Christchurch stables of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen have turned their attention to the riches of the Queensland harness racing winter carnival which takes place over the next six weeks.
A team of four high powered equine athletes arrived safely last week and set up camp at the stables of Darren Weeks at Caboolture, just north of Brisbane, under the watchful eye of Rasmussen and Shaun McNaulty.
Open class ace Smolda will join the team after competing in Sydney this weekend.
The first runner to step out for the All Stars is emerging stayer Gentle Western, a giant Western Ideal – Gentle Audrey four-year-old who will contest the Premiers Cup series.
The $50,000 final is scheduled for next Saturday night (June 20).
“He’s a lovely big horse with many great qualities; he’s sensible, strong and fast while he’s deliberately been set for this campaign. This is his first major trip away but he’s handling it very well and he’s thriving in the warmer climate.” Rasmussen said.
After being involved in a nasty race fall in the 2014 Southern Supremacy Final at Invercargill, Gentle Western was sidelined owing to injuries sustained from the crash.
Gentle Western will sport saddlecloth number two in what shapes as his first stand-start experience but Rasmussen is confident he will handle it well.
“We were very happy with his comeback effort at Ashburton the other week and he continues to improve. Tim (Williams) drove him and stated that he felt good and would sharpen-up considerably following that effort.
“His work here the other morning was pleasing and we’re expecting a forward showing this week which will have him peaking for the final. This is his first race from the tapes but it shouldn’t be an issue, he’s very sensible and he’s been given plenty of practice.
“This horse has a good profile for this carnival, he’s loosely assessed and we’ve got some nice races picked out for him here including these heat/final series plus the 4yo Championship next month. He will race very well in anything he contests.”
The All Stars are no strangers to success in the Premiers Cup after scoring in 2012 with Best Deal Yet while they also claimed the Queensland Derby (Best Deal Yet) and Oaks (O Baby) that same year.
Meanwhile, star fillies Fight For Glory and Linda Lovegrace will start next week in the Gr.3 $30,000 Gold Coast Oaks at Albion Park while crack colt Hug The Wind is expected to trial next week in preparation for a host of features next month including the Gr.1 $150,000 Queensland Derby on July 18.
No decision has been made on who will drive the fillies next week at this stage.
by Chris Barsby
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