WITH so many tales of despair 2020 has been a year best placed on the negative side of the ledger.
In the midst of a wide range of disappointing news, however, there have been glimmers of light through uplifting stories.
New South Wales trainer Brian Carey is a perfect example.
Shutting his horse transport business to avoid the risk of covid-19 on behalf of his family, Carey decided to train “a horse or two” which resulted in his win with Crossfirehall at Club Menangle earlier this week.
In South Australia, Samantha Pascoe has flourished on and off the track.
Graduating from University with a degree in Animal Science, Pascoe has moved on to a course in equine massage and has set her sights on equine acupuncture.
As a reinswoman, the 23-year-old sits at the top of the state’s Young Drivers’ Premiership with 41 wins in what is her best season.
If that’s not enough, Pascoe has a prime opportunity to lift her year from great to extraordinary at Globe Derby on Saturday night.
Pascoe is set to partner Sir Lucas in a Southern Cross Final, with the son of Cullens Legacy the $2.60 TAB Fixed Odds favourite in the Group Two.
Winner of his last five starts, including his series heat, the Clinton Fuller-trained three-year-old has drawn to extend his streak from the pole.
“I was ecstatic to be in the Final initially, but when I saw the draw was jumping with excitement,” Pascoe said.
“I’ve been in a couple of Group races, but this is my first with any sort of chance, so it makes it all the more exciting.
“He’s an absolute ripper, he really just wants to win and is going to be very hard to beat.”
Citing Waitpinga Lad as the main danger, Pascoe also rates Urbadboy as a major threat.
Both heats winners, Waitpinga Lad will begin alongside Sir Lucas in gate two, with Urbadboy drawn the outside of the second row.
“It’s not going to be an easy race,” Pascoe said. “Lucas is one of the nicest horses in the race but it won’t be easy.
“Waitpinga Lad and Urbadboy are the main two to worry about, but they are all nice horses which can win with the right luck.”
- PAUL COURTS
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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