The old saying, “One man’s misfortune, is another man’s gain,” could not be more true for Mark Billinger. With David Harding on the sidelines from injuries suffered during a horrific race, Billinger has the pick of drives on some very talented young horses in Friday night’s Southern Cross Semi Finals.
He starts the night on the Johnathan Kingston-Mayne trained 2 year old, Official Art, which was an impressive winner of his heat at his first start. This was despite getting a back line draw. The gelding has to be in the mix.
Billinger will then take the reins on the Michael Norman trained, Blurred Lines. From a favourable draw, he should find the top and win.
In the second semi-final for 2 year old colts, Billinger will drive his own nomination – the unbeaten, Rap Artist. The colt should start favourite with Presidentsmach, which has drawn the pole, looking the only danger.
Then Billinger will adorn the Green & White colours of the Cameron Racing group owned, Emma Stewart trained filly, Celebrity Guest. She should be too strong for her rivals in the fillies first semi in race 5.
Super 3 year old filly, Lovelist – the BOTRA Pace winner – looks to have race 7 at her mercy. Whats Emma Got is the only danger given the barrier draw.
Starbust Girl looks unstoppable in the semi-final for 3 year old fillies. Rocknroll Magic, which is fresh from claiming the Tatlow Stakes in Melton last star, should have little trouble putting her rivals away in the final race.
Conceivably, Mark Billinger could drive 5 or 6 winners on Friday night. At the finals on Saturday the 1st August last season, David Harding drove three of the four final winners. Maybe, just maybe, Billinger can equal or even beat that amazing stat!
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
