29 July 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
The Newcastle and Parkes Harness Racing Clubs will each conduct a qualifying heat of the Club Menangle Waratah Series at their respective meeting tonight.
The popular series that caters for horses trained outside a 100 kilometre radius of Tabcorp Park Menangle has been rebranded and was formerly known as the Country Series.
The current round of qualifying races will culminate in a $20,000 final on August 6 and judging by the quality of tonight’s heats, it will provide a keenly contested affair made up of horses trained in regional areas of the state.
The Parkes heat is an open race with Kulani Courage quoted as a $4.50 favourite in pre-post markets and no less than six runners listed under double figure odds.
Locally owned and trained gelding Jessejames Shannon has developed into one of the district’s most consistent pacers this season, winning five races and placing on six occasions from 23 starts, including wins at three of his past five.
Trainer, driver Brett Hutchings is not perturbed by the five year old’s second line draw (barrier eight), stating that he races better with a sit.
“Jay Jay has done a fantastic job for us and is racing in the best form of his career,” said Hutchings.
“His owners are all members of my family, so we are enjoying the ride with him. It is always nice to win races, but it is extra special when your family is involved, racing in front of your home crowd.”
Adding a local flavour to the Parkes heat is the Nathan Turnbull trained pair of Special Meaning and Valiant Charger who are both raced by Alectown owners Stacey and Sue Townsend.
Turnbull has a strong representation in the race with Red Envy adding to his three pronged assault.
Similarly, the Newcastle heat sees a wide betting market, and ironically, Cloudin Up which was formerly owned by the Townsend family is quoted as a $3.50 favourite.
The ten runners at Newcastle have all won within their past five starts, indicating that each of them has an equal chance of qualifying for next week’s Menangle final.
Six year old Nasholi has drawn ideally in gate four for trainer Peter Neilson and driver Guy Chapple.
The gelding has been placed in three starts since winning at Newcastle on June 20 and should be able to secure a forward position early.
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