Two-Year-Old features to headline big weekend across Australia

The national scene kicks off with the two feature two year old events in Western Australia with the running of the $250,000 Hoist Torque Pearl classic for the colts and geldings and the $250,000 Trotsynd Diamond Classic for the fillies on Friday evening.

The barrier draw has worked perfectly for Hez The Boss who’s drawn the coveted pole and is expected to lead throughout. Trained by Colin Brown the Poster Boy brown gelding has impeccable with five wins and a second from his six appearances to date. The only other runner under double figure odds is Ideal Whisper drawn in four. He ran a faster time in 1.57.1 in winning his heat compared to Hez The Boss but the latter should be able to take advantage of the pole draw.

The fillies division is a more open event but again the barrier draw has favoured Seaside Serenade in two. The talented daughter of Downbytheseaside finished third in her heat after being unbeaten in four prior starts. She faces the Greg and Skye Bond trained Ilikeitlikethat who was most impressive in her heat win. The other heat winners Im Catostrophic and Nevele Arma are awkwardly drawn on the second row.

Menangle’s main event the Alf Phillis Free For All is highlighted by the clash of the Jason Grimson trained speedster Huta against rising four year Sao Paolo Simba whose won his last four races at Sydney headquarters. In addition the presence of proven million dollar pacers Max Delight and Better Eclipse will add interest to the event.

The three year old will see the presence of Eye Can Ear Amour a winner of his last three starts up against the promising Brad Hewitt trained Elector and the luckless Alert Bay who’s been performing exceptionally well in tougher company.

Melton’s Free For All sees the Emma Stewart trained trio of Some American, Meteor Moth and Storms Collide taking on Catch A Wave who looks to go one better than his last start second two weeks ago.

However the highlight of the evening is sure to be the presence of New South Wales Derby winner Pastor Dunbar in the three year old trot and last seasons Nutrien Equine two year old trotters classic winner Howdy Mate. Howdy Mate has returned to form with two recent wins but he’ll need to be at his best to prevail over Pastor Dunbar who looks to be one of our most promising young trotters.

Meanwhile at Albion Park all eyes will be on Heza Punk Rocker a recent addition to the Jason Grimson stable. Last week he blitzed his rivals and if he leads as expected he could well run a sub 1.50 given his recent form.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink