13 October 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
THERE were no surprises in the qualifying heats of the New South Wales Breeders Challenge at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday afternoon when the favourites took out each of the four heats.
The Jarrod Alchin-trained My Ultimate Byron was sent out as an odds-on favourite in the first heat for three-year-old colts and geldings but had to pull out all stops to score by narrow margin after the Kevin Pizzuto-trained King Tiger gave him a real run for his money.
The Alchin stable made it a double when boom filly Madrid went one step closer to winning back-to-back Breeders Challenge finals, scoring comfortably after leading throughout.
The second division for colts and gelding belonged to the Peter Russo-trained Mahomes, who never looked in danger of defeat.
Exceptionally-talented filly Steno completed the clean sweep for the favoured runners, taking out her heat by dashing away from her rivals to secure a position in next week’s semi-finals.
Her trainer Cameron Ross is looking forward to the fortnight ahead as not only does he put the polish on Steno but also trains the promising two year old Peaceful.
Both fillies, who are owned by Dianne Kelly and will contest the semi-finals of their respective age group, with many good judges predicting that Ross holds the trump card in both divisions.
“They are both high-quality fillies,” said Ross.
“I was very happy with Steno’s performance on Tuesday afternoon, defeating some nice fillies and doing it under her own steam.
“Of course, barrier draws will play a big part as the series moves forward but Steno could not have come back any better from her spell.
“Peaceful will need to be as good as I think she is on Saturday night in her semi-final after drawing wide.
“There are some smart fillies in the race, but I could not have her racing any better with three wins on the trot.”
Jarrod Alchin will be looking to build on his good start to the week at Penrith tonight when My Ultimate Johnny steps out as a long odds-on favourite in the first of eight races.
A former Kiwi pacer, My Ultimate Johnny has performed well since crossing the ditch and appears to have come back well from a 10-week spell with a sharp trial at Menangle.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
