Prominent couple Merv and Meg Butterworth will be aiming to complete harness racing’s holy trinity at Gloucester Park on Sunday.
Having held aloft the A. G. Hunter and New Zealand Cup trophies this year, the Butterworths will have representative in the Inter Dominion Final.
High class performer Arden Rooney annexed the two Cups, while handy pacer Our Blackbird is engaged in the $1.3 million decider.
Merv admitted the magnitude of the achievement hadn’t dawned on him until contacted by www.harnessnews.com.au
“I hadn’t really thought about it, we’ve just been enjoying the ride,” Merv said. “It would be massive if we could get the hat-trick.
“It doesn’t get any bigger than those three races.”
Although one of the rank outsiders, Merv is confident Our Blackbird is capable of causing an upset. The Ross Olivieri-trained son of Bettors Delight has drawn barrier five.
“The fact he might be a $100 shot has never suggested to me that he might not be a chance,” Butterworth said. “He finished second on the opening night and came home strongly from shocking draws to finish midfield in the other two heats.
“From five he should get a good run along the rails, which will see him coming home solidly again.
“We will need a bit of luck, but he is going well enough to cause an upset if breaks go his way.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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