08 January 2018 | Paul Courts
NOMINATIONS for Saturday night’s South Australia Cup are enough to have the harshest critic excited.
Along with numerous established stars, some of the best up-and-comers in the country are vying for a berth in the time honoured Group One.
As expected Victorian trainers are keen to take the money back across the border, while local heroes such as Major Crocker, Futurist and Whenmechief will be out to repel the challenge.
Although bred in South Australia, Major Crocker made his debut as a local last weekend when triumph at his first outing for astute mentor Justin Brewin.
The son of Art Major has competed in SA previously as a ‘raider’, winning four of his six appearances, with a second also to his credit.
His victories include a clean sweep of the 2014 Southern Cross series at Globe Derby.
Whenmechief finished third behind Smolda and Jilliby Jagger in last season’s edition of the Group One, while Futurist, which was beaten a half-heads by Major Crocker, will make his debut at the highest level.
Of the invaders, Shadow Sax is regarded as one of the nation’s most exciting rising stars, with the son of Shadow Play unbeaten from six starts this term.
Ultra-consistent performer Messini, fresh from his Group Two success during the weekend, is also listed to contest the testing 2645-metre feature.
Fields for the stellar program, which includes the Trotters’ Cup and Pacing Derby are due to be released at 4pm tomorrow.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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