23 June 2020 | Chris Barsby
The list keeps growing.
A number of New South Wales horsemen are currently undertaking the mandatory two week quarantine in preparation for participating in racing action for the much revised Queensland winter carnival.
And now the biggest Sydney stable wants in on the action.
Enter Craig Cross.
Fresh from another terrific night at Menangle last weekend where the stable snared half the program, winning four of the eight races, they’re setting the sights on Albion Park next month.
“We’ve sent up one of our foreman Matt Coffee to undertake the isolation period for the fortnight before we send up our team. We were always keen to be part of the carnival and then COVID-19 tossed all our plans up in the air but we’re committed now and looking forward to the challenge next month.” Cross said.
The Queensland State Government has announced the border will reopen on July 10.
Back in April, Racing Queensland advised the 2020 TAB Queensland Constellations Carnival will not proceed this year due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
However, with strict biosecurity measures currently in place, certain features will be staged over the winter months.
Features that will be staged include;
| Date | Race | Division | Track | Distance | Prize money |
| 27/06/2020 | Redcliffe Gold Cup | Open Disc Hcp | Redcliffe | 2613m | $25,630 |
| 11/07/2020 | Wondais Mate (Open) | Open Disc Hcp | Albion Park | 1660m | $21,160 |
| 11/07/2020 | South East Oaks | 3YO Fillies | Albion Park | 2138m | $50,660 |
| 11/07/2020 | Queen Of Hearts Pace | Open Mares | Albion Park | 1660m | $21,660 |
| 18/07/2020 | Mr Feelgood (Open) | Open | Albion Park | 2138m | $25,660 |
| 18/07/2020 | South East Derby | Open 3YO | Albion Park | 2138m | $50,660 |
| 18/07/2020 | Fleur De Lil Ladyship | Open (F & M) | Albion Park | 1660m | $25,660 |
| 18/07/2020 | Trotters Cup | Disc Hcp | Albion Park | 2647m | $21,270 |
| 25/07/2020 | Lucky Creed (Open) | Open | Albion Park | 2680m | $25,660 |
| 25/07/2020 | QLD Trotters Cup | Open (MS) Trot | Albion Park | 2138m | $25,660 |
The Cross stable boast plenty of strike power currently with a number of talented types spread throughout the stable and several are likely to head north in the coming weeks.
“Some of the horses we’ve earmarked include Culture King, Delightful Tara, Love My Sister, Moraeu Drive, First String and Roll One Over.
“It’s a nice mix with several nice mares included so we’re hoping to make the most of the opportunities with them and the system up there.”
Cross is the leading trainer in New South Wales this season with 153 winners to date while he dominates the metropolitan premiership race with 88 winners, some 72 winners clear of his nearest rival Tim Butt.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
