Queensland takes centre stage on big weekend of harness racing

This weekend’s preview sees keen racing in three states

Proof of Queensland’s increasing reach on the National harness racing scene is evident with this Saturday night’s QBred Finals night which will feature four Group 1 classics and four Group 2 features in the ten event programme.

It’s just over two months since Albion Park staged a highly successful Inter Dominion series and the national focus will be firmly on Queensland this weekend.

The two year old finals each of $150,000 are both evenly matched. The colts and geldings sees the clash of Maywyn Son Of Lou and Yipee Kiyay with the added presence of Hunt For Glory and all three have recorded impressive times to date.

The fillies division is just as even with McKenzie Reg drawn the pole alongside Shine Like Me for Chantal Turpin and Sweet Leah Jane on the outside of the front row.

The three year old colts and geldings final of $153,000 sees Grant Dixon’s classy colt Fire And Passion (Always B Miki) up against noted speedster Pure Grunt who will start from the pole. James Alfred is racing consistently while Ideal Bronski is going for three on end. Chantal Turpin again looks to have the key runners in the $153,000 fillies Final with her two fillies Ruby Rhayne Bow and Stripes the former ideally drawn in two.

The other main highlight will be the two year old trotters final which will see a much anticipated clash between the star New South Wales gelding Hilldale Hilton and the unbeaten Victorian colt Phoenix Rex.

Grant Dixon looks to have a strong hand in the Four year old mares final with his talented pair of Ruby Rules and Cool And Classy both of whom have been great moneyspinners for their owner Kevin Seymour.

The August Gift Final highlights Menangle’s nine event program and Jason Grimson holds the key to the race with the vastly improved Heza Punk Rocker and I Got Chills. They’ll face stiff opposition from the inform Lochinvar Jag and Buzz Bomb while Wayboyneinamerica is racing consistently.

Captains Knock is expected to continue his winning way in the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Free For All even though it’s over the longer 2300 metre trip. Evergreen Max Delight will run his usual race while Ripp and Better Eclipse won’t be far away.

At Melton Catch A Wave has finally drawn the front row in his Free For All and should be thereabouts but he’s face plenty of spirited opposition from Fighter Command and Bulletproof Boy who’s resuming after a let up.

But undoubtedly the highlight of the evening will be the Group 3 VHRC Holmfield Trot which is in effect a dress rehearsal for this year’s Victoria Trotters Derby. All eyes will be on New South Wales Derby winner Pastor Dunbar who’s come back better than ever. But he’s up against the talented Munny The Munster as well as the vastly improved Unclad who

possesses a brilliant sprint, The Preacher and Howdy Mate who’s striking form at the right time.

And the two year old Bob Conroy Trotters Classic sees the presence of the unbeaten Verbici who has swept all before him this season. Drawn out in six he looks the one to beat.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink