03 September 2024 | Ashleigh Paikos
Mark and Kerry Lee are on cloud nine this week, with the avid harness enthusiasts represented in both $215,000 2YO Westbred Classics, with Last Hard Copy in the colts and geldings final, and Bull Shark Betty in the fillies this coming Friday, September 6.
With the scene set for the inaugural W Night at Gloucester Park, Mark and Kerry were both on track at Pinjarra on Monday, September 2 to witness the all-important barrier draw, where Last Hard Copy drew barrier 7, in what looks to be a cracking race to come.
Making the decision to send him to Aiden De Campo only recently, with it becoming too hard to work the horses himself and realising that the horse had plenty of ability but needing to work with a better calibre of horse, the decision was made quickly to send him to the Capel based stable.
Last Hard Copy made his way to the astute stables of Aiden De Campo just three starts ago, and with three consecutive wins under his belt now, with the son of ill-fated My Hard Copy NZ one of his last foals.
Purchased at the 2023 APG Yearling Sales for just $10,000 by the pair, the double westbred colt won his heat last Tuesday, August 27, after settling well back in the eight-horse field, De Campo made his way three wide coming off the back straight to win by a head, securing his spot on this weeks Group 1 $215,000 final.
Describing his ability as still currently ‘untapped’, Last Hard Copy continues to impress De Campo each time he starts.
“Ability wise, still untapped, every time he goes to the races, he impresses me, he always goes better than I think he can, but at this stage, he’s untapped.”
“I do like him, he tries really, really hard, like really hard.’ Aiden De Campo said.
Feeling a little deflated this morning since the draw, Mark Lee mentioned that drawing barrier seven wasn’t ideal but being that he’s a ‘sit and kick’ type racehorse at this stage, he’s hopeful he can still get a cart into the race and still put in a good showing in the feature.
Lee has always had a big opinion of his colt, and the Lee family is just excited they’re in the big one this Friday night.
Kerry and Mark Lee will be on course on Friday night, living the dream watching their two hopes race towards Group 1 glory.
Bull Shark Betty was purchased at the 2023 APG Yearling sales as well, but with a big owner group involved, the Sportswriter USA filly is trained down in the picturesque Busselton by Chris Beckett.
Purchased for $28,000, Bull Shark Betty has had nine starts now for one win and four placings, but she has already experienced feature racing, winning her heat earlier in the year for the 2YO APG Sales Classic, finishing third in the final behind Copper Head Lady and Bettagetonpip, who also get their turn again this Friday night in the Westbred Classic.
“We always go in with them (Beth and Aaron Beckett) in a horse from the sales, and Aaron wanted a filly this time,
“We had picked a few we liked, and we missed out on them, and Betty was the second or third choice,
“She has developed really good, they’ve (Becketts) always had a pretty big opinion of her and where she’s drawn, she should get a good opportunity.”
Bull Shark Betty starts from barrier four on Friday night in the 2YO Westbred Classic for the fillies.
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