14 February 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
The Newcastle Harness Racing Club is preparing for its biggest night of racing this coming Friday evening, playing host to the AVE Technologies Newcastle Mile.
Holding Group 1 status and attracting strong nominations for the $100,000 race, preparations will kick off between races at the Club’s race meeting this afternoon when the barrier draw for the season feature will take place in between races.
Central Mangrove trainer, Roy Roots will be hoping that the barrier draw falls positively in favour of his star pacer and defending champion The Black Prince.
A Newcastle specialist, The Black Price has had two runs back from a freshen up after campaigning in the Interdominion and Roots is confident that his stable star is in peak condition heading into Friday night’s Mile.
“I feel that I have him is spot on,” said Roots.
“ I was really happy with his two runs back from the freshen up which he had following the Interdominion. He was just behind the placegetters and not beaten far and the runs have tightened him up for Friday, we are now banking on a good barrier draw.”
“Owner Paul Borg and I always seek out horses suitable for races like the Newcastle Mile in mind. We are both Newcastle locals and when we won the race last year it was like a dream come true.
If we could go back-to-back that would be something special.”
“The Black Prince has been so good to us. He is heading towards $500,000 in earnings and has won 21 races.”
“Robbie Morris has driven him in some of his best wins and will take the reins again on Friday. He knows the horse so well and here’s hoping that history can repeat itself.”
Roots has two pacers engaged this afternoon at Newcastle and believes both horses have sound chances of winning despite awkward draws.
“Apache Whitesox (race 4) and Ark (race 6) have both drawn very wide, but they are dropping in grade. They have been working well, are fit, and ready to run strong races this afternoon.”
Forced to favour one over the other, Roots named Apache Whitesox as the better chance.
“A few things will need to go his way early but there is plenty of speed in the race and hopefully he can come over the top of them.”
The iForm best bets for today:
Newcastle best bet
Race 3: Polka Dot Dance (2)
Can regain some winning form finding this easier than recent Menangle appearances.
Newcastle next best
Race 7: Donedeal (8)
Consistent type who rates highly despite a wide draw.
Around the tracks
Canberra best bet
Race 6: Critical Advantage (1)
Top driver is engaged and draws to win.
Play the exotics
The Newcastle quaddie
Race 5: 4
Race 6: 3-1-6
Race 7: 8-2-4-6-1
Race 8: 7-8-3-6-5
$75 for 100%
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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