By Adam Hamilton
Trainer Gary Hall Sr has the stock to successfully defend one of harness racing’s most amazing winning streaks.
The champion WA horseman has won the past six WA Cups – his home state’s biggest race – and has three runners in Friday’s running of the $450,000 Group 1 feature at Gloucester Park.
Just for the record, Hall Sr has trained 10 of the past 15 WA Cup winners: My Hard Copy (2015 & 16); Hokonui Ben (2014); Im Themightyquinn (2011, 12 & 13); Tealsby Karita (2007); The Falcon Strike (2002, 04 & 05).
His runners Friday night are last week’s impressive Fremantle Cup winner Chicago Bull (gate eight, $3.80), last year’s WA Cup third placegetter Beaudiene Boaz (gate six, $5.50) and $61 outsider Cyamach (gate four).
The favourite is brilliant beginner and probably leader Bettors Fire (gate five, $2.60) for trainer-driver Kyle Harper.
Hall Sr leans to the exciting four-year-old Chicago Bull – to be driven by his son Gary Hall Jr – as his best hope this week.
“I thought the draw was bad at first, but as it’s turned out where the others are it still brings him in with a good chance,” he said.
“He’s come through last week well and there’s no reason he won’t be as good or better on Friday.”
The draw has certainly opened-up the WA Cup with fringe players like Major Reality (gate one) and The Bucket List (two) coming into play now.
The draw certainly hasn’t helped last week’s eye-catcher Soho Tribeca, who has the back row (12) after a mighty second to Chicago Bull in the Fremantle Cup.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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