Stars step out across Australia this weekend

The national harness racing scene has yet to liven up with features but this weekend we’ll see some keen and competitive racing across our main venues.

This Friday evening at Gloucester Park in Perth sees Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) line up in the Roselyn McKinnon Memorial Free For All. Again he draws wide on the outside of the front row but whatever driver Aiden De Campo decides on he should be far too strong for his rivals. Never Ending who hasn’t won for over two years but has been lightly raced since is drawn next to Magnificent Storm and if he was back to anywhere near his form in his younger days would be hard to beat.

The other highlight is the standing start Marathon over 3380 metres. The vastly improved Luvbite who’s racing in great heart since arriving from Queensland faces a stern task from 50 metres especially from the likes of Captains Creek who is on the front row and former New Zealander Stormy Vista who comes off 20 metres.

On Saturday at Menangle the highlight is the appearance of Captains Knock in the Ule Hoof Oil Free For All. Fresh from his recent scintillating 1.48.7 at Albion Park. He could well again break records at Menangle where he’s drawn the likes of Ripp, Ubetcha Tigerpie and Better Eclipse.

The Listed Norms Daughter Classic for mares sees talented mares Steno and Lux Aeterna who are both drawn out wide and they’ll spirited opposition from the improved mare Change Tact, Jilliby Illuminate and the speedy Bella Danza.

At Melton on Saturday evening the Benstud Standardbred Youthful Stakes for two year colt and geldings and a fillies division are likely to be keenly contested affairs.

The colts and geldings division is dominated by the Emma Stewart trained pair of Cardigan Sniper and Some High who are both racing in top form. A strong chance should also be given to Fully Reckless who was most impressive winning last start at Wagga.

The fillies division is open with Geoff Webster’s filly La Cantatrice among the main chances given her recent impressive form. The Poster Boy filly Onelook was impressive winning at Maryborough and should be thereabouts.

On Sunday Hobart stages an eleven event program with the highlights being the $40,000 Tasmanian Derby and likewise a $40,000 stake for the Tasmanian Oaks.

As usual the Victorian raiders will be to the fray headed by Emma Stewart’s unbeaten colt Enjoy Life to be driven by Mark Pitt. He’s drawn on the second row and is up against fellow Victorian Rocky Road who’s ideally drawn in four and is racing in good form. The main Tasmanian opposition is likely to come from the Eureka participants Always Bettor and Likeyouforareason while Zihuateanejo who has the services of David Miles looked impressive winning at Launceston last week although he’s drawn back on the second row.

The fillies division is more open but the Victorian filly Rocknroll Willow who’s won her last two starts at Stawell and Melton comes into this event with strong credentials and will be driven by Kerryn Manning.

The best of the locals appear to be Twilight Storm a last start winner at Launceston along with My Fatal Charm who’s drawn the pole.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink