The stakes have been raised, and as a result, the quality has deepened.
It’s Night 2 of the Queensland Spring Carnival at Albion Park this Saturday night and the Gr.1 $100,000 Hurrikane Kingcole Gold Coast Cup to be run at 2138m has attracted an outstanding field of pacing talent.
Victorian star Philadelphia Man has headed north again chasing more success following his brilliant victory back in July of the Gr.1 Blacks A Fake while Inter Dominion winning trainer/driver James Rattray is also in town with his exciting talent Modern Ruler.
Our Hi Jinx, a decisive winner of last week’s Gr.2 $50,000 Be Good Johnny Sprint leads a strong group of locals including his stablemates Avonnova and Mach Alert plus the Grant Dixon trio of Alleluia, Majestic Major and Millwood Liberty among others.
All are vying for next week’s feature, the opening leg of the 2015/16 Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season, the Gr.1 $200,000 Queensland Pacing Championship to be staged over 2680m.
Albion Park course commentator Chris Barsby is expecting a keenly contested event and believes the barrier draw has thrown the race wide open.
“It’s a high quality field but the draw has certainly mixed things up and Philadelphia Man now requires a touch of luck but master reinsman Gavin Lang will give him every chance of securing another sunshine state feature. He’s still the horse to beat despite the draw, his form is outstanding and his victory during the winter carnival in the Blacks A Fake underlined his brilliance.” Barsby said.
Gambling giant UBET have installed Philadelphia Man the punters elect at $2.60 in their fixed odds market while Mach Alert has met with strong support ($4.60) and Modern Ruler ($8.50) is kept safe in the market.
“Given the draw, punters can now obtain black figures about Philadelphia Man whereas with a front-line draw, he would’ve started as an odd-on elect. It won’t be easy for him from that gate but given his recent form coupled with the fact he has a champion driver engaged, he deserves top billing in this race.
“The money trail for Mach Alert throughout the week is no surprise given his eye-catching effort last week, he savaged the line behind Our Hi Jinx and the plugs weren’t released. Mach Alert is a proven Gr.1 Derby winner on this track and he’s nicely drawn and possesses good gate speed.
“The front-line looks overloaded with early pace and early positions will be keenly sought, other winning chances include Modern Ruler, Bling It On, Avonnova and Shannonsablast. If the emergency, Monifieth, secured a start he would command plenty of respect. Expect an entertaining contest.”
UBET will offer a number of jackpots including a $25,000 guaranteed Quadrella pool – the quaddie will be staged on races 2, 3, 4 & 5.
A $40,000 trifecta jackpot is scheduled for the opening event on the program.
First 4 jackpots of $3000 are slated for races 3 & 6.
The first of 10 races is scheduled to start at 5.38pm.
Contact the club on (07) 3262 2577 or via the website at www.aphrc.com.au or simply drop an emailinfo@aphrc.com.au
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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