15 November 2022 | Tim Walker
There may still be a Golden Nugget, Fremantle Cup and WA Pacing Cup to be run and won, but already there’s keen interest in the running of the inaugural Nullarbor (2536m), following yesterday’s announcement of slot holders.
The $1 million race will be held at Gloucester Park on April 14, as the harness event in the Western Trilogy.
Kevin and Kyle Jeavons were announced as one of the 10 slot holders yesterday, which also featured Team Bond, Justin Prentice Pacing and Gary Hall Snr.
Kevin Jeavons, who owns Golden Nugget winner Shockwave, said it was an exciting concept to be a part of.
“I thought we’d get involved to support the initiative,” he said.
“We thought it was worth being in the game.
“It’s a lot of money that is up for grabs and it seems to have been received well.”
Shockwave looms as a likely candidate for the Jeavons’ slot, but there is some doubt as to whether he will be ready in time for The Nullarbor.
Jeavons said he would only pick Shockwave if he made an encouraging return to racing early in the New Year.
“He had a long preparation and was three-to-four weeks from racing, but he just had a few niggles,” he said.
“He’d be the most likely one if we can get him back in time.
“We will know early on if we can pick him.
“I’m think we may be looking for someone else’s horse to fill the slot because I don’t want to rush Shockwave back.”
Meanwhile, trainer Michael Young is hopeful a spell will help The Mustang get to The Nullarbor.
The Mustang was a well beaten favourite in the Barbagallo Lamborghini Pace (1730m) on Friday night, despite being able to dictate terms in front.
Young said he was confident the gelding would be able to take his place in the field for slot holder Aaron Bain Pacing and Summit Bloodstock.
“He was obviously very disappointing on Friday,” Young told TABradio.
“The plan with him was to try and roll into the Cups and then The Nullarbor after that.
“We’ve put him in the paddock now.
“Hopefully we have him tip-top again by the time The Nullarbor rolls around.”
Elsewhere, 23 horses have been nominated for Friday’s 4YO Championship (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
Ragazzo Mach and Eldaytona are the only pacers not nominated for the $50,000 event that featured in last Monday’s 4YO Classic at Pinjarra.
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