By Matt Markham
Punters who have taken the short odds on offer for Marcoola to become the Four-Year-Old Ruby at next month’s Harness Jewels will have heartened by what transpired at Tuesday’s Ashburton trials.
Unsighted since his well-beaten effort behind Eyre I Come at Addington back in February, the Ken Ford trained trotter looked right back on top of his game with an effortless performance against modest opposition on Tuesday.
A slight injury concern has plagued last season’s leading three-year-old trotter for the best part of the last two months but there was no signs of it causing concern in the trial.
“He felt good and strong,” driver Clint Ford said.
“It was good to get that run into him.”
Off a 40 metre handicap, Marcoola was into his work quickly and while not bustled by Ford he worked his way around the field inside the final 800 metres before blasting away from his rivals to win by eight lengths in a corrected time of 3:04 for the 2400 metre stand.
“If you’d asked me how quick it felt like we were going I wouldn’t have said that, he made it feel like it was more like 3:10, he did it all pretty easy.”
The Ford clan had an eye on a race next week at Addington for a resumption as they prepare for the Jewels, but that may be put on ice for another week with an eagerness to make sure everything is spot on before they tackle a race.
“I’m going to get him checked over and then we can make a decision from there.”
Rated a $2.40 chance to win the Ruby on June 3, Marcoola’s task has been made a little harder by the continued rise of others in the age group.
Friday night’s Rowe Cup winner, Temporale will be there as well as other proven Group One performers, Lemond and Wilma’s Mate while progressive types, Dark Horse and McLovin are also capable.
Earlier in the day at Tuesday’s trials, New Zealand’s two best three-year-old fillies went to the line locked together.
Spanish Armada eventually got the judge’s nod over Partyon, but both performances were spot on as they prepare for a plethora of riches available to them over the next month.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
