14 January 2021 | Ken Casellas
Champion reinsman Gary Hall Jnr declares “that it is time we got the picket fence going for him” when assessing superstar Chicago Bull’s prospects in the $25,000 Joe and Margaret Petricevich Memorial Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Chicago Bull has enjoyed a brief respite from racing over the past six weeks after finishing second at his past two outings, behind Perfect Major in the Group 2 RWWA Cup and Vultan Tin in the Group 1 WA Pacing Cup.
Before those defeats as an odds-on favourite Chicago Bull had built a picket fence of six firsts in succession.
“He’s had a little freshen up, and I think he had only a week off,” said Hall. “Looking at the field, there’s not a huge issue that I can see. I think that the biggest obstacle for him will be fitness.
“However, his trackwork has been good; he’s been working with Balcatherine and is keen to be out there.”
Hall said that he would be going into the race with no set plans but said that Chicago Bull (who will start from the outside barrier No. 9) would have to be driven tough at some stage.
“The runner I’m most concerned about is Bletchley Park, particularly if he leads,” Hall admitted. “Bletchley Park (drawn wide at barrier eight) hasn’t got scintillating gate speed, and if he happens to end up in front, it will want to be without him doing a bit of work.”
Bletchley Park, to be driven by Lindsay Harper for Bunbury trainer Stephen Reed, gave a bold frontrunning display (from barrier two) to score an easy victory over the strong-finishing Vultan Tin in the Village Kid Sprint, rating 1.52.4 over 1730m last Friday night.
Ravenswood trainer-reinsman Nathan Turvey will be looking for a strong performance from Simba Bromac from a favourable draw at barrier two on the front line. Simba Bromac caught the eye with an excellent fourth in the Village Kid Sprint. He started from the outside of the back line, was seventh on the pegs at the bell and was hampered for room in the home straight.
Trainer Ray Williams said that Cyclone Banner, a winner at two of his past three starts, faced a stiff test from out wide at barrier seven. “However, I’m sure he will run an honest race,” Williams said. “He’ll be finding a spot and, hopefully, he will be coming home.”
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