By Adam Hamilton
For all of the recent heroics of Tiger Tara, he faces his first really genuine test in the Aussie big league on Saturday night.
And he goes straight to the top, facing Inter Dominion winner and reigning Miracle Mile champion Lennytheshark in the $50,000 Group 2 Bulli Cup (1609m) at Menangle.
As good as Tiger Tara has looked and as fast as his times have been at his past five wins, he hasn’t beaten a real “topliner.”
But Tiger Tara has made such a big impression, to amazement of some, the Aussie TAB opened him a $1.90 favourite ahead of Lennytheshark at $2.10. The money has come for Lenny, who has been backed into $1.90 favourite.
At first glance the draw looks good for Tiger Tara in gate four with Lennytheshark on his outside (five), but many, including leading Menangle trainer Shane Tritton, think Lennytheshark will get across and lead.
“I think he’s the leader and clearly the one to beat,” Tritton said.
Lennytheshark’s owner Martin Riseley is also confident, but respectful of Tiger Tara.
“He’s race fit and absolutely flying, but I know David (Aiken) is very happy with Lenny and the draw looks OK to me,” he said.
“Did you see Lenny’s trial last week? He came from a mile off them and really flew that last 50m. His sectional times were outstanding. He’s ready to go.”
The wildcard in the dash for the lead of one of Australia’s fastest beginners, Bettor Bet Black, who has gate three, but would surely want to take a sit on either a Lennytheshark or Tiger Tara rather tha hold the front.
Lennytheshark doesn’t get “buzzed” off the gate often, but when he does he can absolutely fly out. Think back to when driver Chris Alford threw everything at him and he crossed Smolda to lead and win the 2015 Victoria Cup.
If Tiger Tara, who is not really noted for his gate speed, could somehow muster and stay in front of Lennytheshark then he would be awfully hard to beat.
Lennytheshark is first-up since winning the Cranbourne Cup on March 18.
While Lennytheshark and Tiger Tara hog the headlines, others in the Bulli Cup include Tim Butt’s Kiwi raider, My Field Marshal (gate 12), along with Spare Me Days (one), Ultimate Art (two), the emerging Lord Zin Zan (13) and enigmatic Mach Doro (14).
The Bulli Cup is on the same card as the anxiously-awaited Australian Gold 2YO colts and geldings final where Victoria’s Lumineer is a $1.70 favourite from gate six over Mark Purdon’s Sicario (gate nine, $2.15).
Purdon also has $4.20 second favourite Motu Premier, who has to overcome gate 13 and the very exciting Anything For Love (gate eight, $2.10) in the $50,000 Group 2 Carousel final (2300m).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
