by Chris Barsby
After starting the 2017 Queensland winter carnival, the Redcliffe Harness Racing Club will bring down the curtain tomorrow (Friday) night.
The carnival commenced on June 2 with the running of the Gr.1 $100,000 Garrards Redcliffe Yearling Sale Series Classic Final and will end with the Listed $25,540 Chris Garrard Patrons Purse.
And just like the opening night, the feature event will be keenly contested.
A strong line-up has gathered for the four and five year old feature which will be staged over the 2280m distance.
And despite the key early scratching of Leos Best owing to a virus, the race still boasts plenty of depth.
Last start Albion Park winner Major Cam will command plenty of attention following his crushing victory last week in a time of 1:52.7.
Prepared by Kylie Rasmussen and Darren Weeks, the giant Art Major gelding must overcome a tricky second-line draw.
Major Cam is unbeaten at Redcliffe.
The ideally drawn The Space Invader gets a perfect opportunity to land his first feature victory after drawing gate two.
The Pacific Rocket gelding finished third behind Major Cam and Feel The Courage last weekend at Albion Park following his unplaced effort in the Sunshine Sprint against Hectorjayjay.
The Space Invader scored at Albion Park four starts ago in 1:54.2.
Trainer Stephen Cini has booked Isobel Ross for the drive.
Classy mares Cherish The Moment and Bettorthanspecial will both prove hard to beat and both look well placed from their front-line draws.
Cherish The Moment defeated Bettorthanspecial last start in the Listed $20,000 Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes at Albion Park on July 8.
Both mares possess excellent records at the track.
And the fairer sex is chasing back to back victories in the event.
Last year, high quality mare Barynya proved triumphant and is the only mare to win the event which was first staged in 2008.
The inaugural winner was Be Diligent which was followed by Guitarzan, Elzar, Lightning Raider, Jack In Flight, Alberto Contador, Supreme Mach and Majestic Major.
The Patrons Purse is listed as race 6 and will start at 9.05pm.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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