By Adam Hamilton
THERE is a stirring rivalry building in Western Australia.
And it’s all around who the hometown top seed is ahead of the start of the Perth Inter Dominion series at Gloucester Park on November 24.
For most of this year, the automatic answer for almost everyone has been Chicago Bull, also known as “Mini Quinny” because of some similarities to his champion stablemate Im Themightyquinn.
But now he has a serious rival. A very serious one.
Soho Tribeca chased home Chicago Bull in both the Fremantle and WA Pacing Cups earlier this year, but he’s kept getting better since.
Chicago Bull had the better of him again, albeit narrowly, in last night’s Group 2 Mount Eden Sprint (1730m) at Gloucester Park.
The difference last night was the phenomenal drive by Gary Hall Jr, who somehow found the one-one trail on the back of Soho Tribeca, who sat parked, and snatched victory in the last stride by a head.
Chicago Bull got the prize, but Soho Tribeca went at least as well, maybe even better, given they smashed the track record with a 1min51.6sec mile rate – taking 0.9sec off Run Oneover’s record.
While you’d expect Chicago Bull to sprint past Soho Tribeca, to do so in a 54.7sec last half was pretty special.
A clearly proud Gary Hall Sr almost demanded respect for Chicago Bull after the win.
“I couldn’t believe people were critical after he was beaten last time. You can’t expect him to win every start and the Inter Dominion is his goal,” he said. “He went at least as good as Soho Tribeca … look at the times they ran home in.
“And don’t forget that long jostling duel our horse had with Ideal Tyson had early-on. I didn’t think he run on after that, but he still did.”
Driver Gary Hall Jr was more even his post-race comments.
“They both went great. I knew they were flying in the last lap so to knuckle down and catch Tribeca was a big effort. He went great too though. He’s a real force now (Soho Tribeca),” he said.
Former Kiwi pacer Shandale, who led and beat Soho Tribeca and Chicago Bull at their previous clash, ran one third in one of the most important runs of his career.
It showed he was more than just a leader to be able to come wide from a trail and still make ground in a 54.7sec last half.
High-class former Kiwi pacer Ohoka Punter returned from a spell with a solid fourth after leading and appearing to overrace at times in front for driver Stewie McDonald. He was beaten just seven metres in the record time.
Chicago Bull is $5.50 third favourite with the Aussie TAB for the Perth Inter Dominion final at Gloucester Park on December 9. Soho Tribeca has firmed from $26 to $8 over the three weeks.
Lazarus remains a $3.50 favourite from Lennytheshark at $5.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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