09 December 2020 | Chris Barsby
Outstanding.
That’s the word that springs to mind when assessing the final night of the 2020 summer carnival this Saturday night at Albion Park.
Over the past couple of weeks, the Brisbane harness racing scene has been abuzz with obvious talent on display as we build to the ultimate climax, the Gr.1 $175,660 TAB Blacks A Fake over 2680m.
The Grand Circuit feature headlines a superb 10-race program which gets underway at 5.32pm local time.
Star Sydney based performer King Of Swing is listed as the punters elect after drawing favourably in gate five for the powerful combination of Craig Cross and Luke McCarthy but will face stiff opposition from the likes of Be Good Johnny Sprint winner and defending champion Colt Thirty One plus the Vicki Rasmussen pair of former Kiwi pacers One Change and Turn It Up among others.
Trainer Craig Cross is well-represented with four runners including last week’s Queensland Cup winner Cruz plus boom pacer Balraj and the exceptionally talented Bright Energy starting alongside King Of Swing.
“It’s a fantastic field and something that everyone should be proud of because earlier this year it was looking unlikely we would stage our Grand Circuit feature owing to the Covid-19 pandemic but we’re here now and it’s come together really well.” Chief Executive Scott Steele said.
Again, the support program is great with plenty of up and comers engaged.
And punters are well catered for too.
TAB have a quaddie jackpot of $50,000 with a projected pool of $250,000 – the quaddie legs are on races 5 through 8.
The highly anticipated Jockeys and Drivers Final is also scheduled with the winner donating $1000 to a registered charity of choice.
The four jockeys competing include Georgina Cartwright, Tegan Harrison, Matthew McGillivray and Baylee Nothdurft.
“The Jockeys and Drivers series has been a huge hit throughout the carnival and the final will be just as exciting, they’re extremely competitive and there’s a bit at stake here on the weekend.
“There’s still some spots available in Pacers & Chasers plus the XXXX Garden Trackside Bar but get in quick because the numbers are starting to fill quickly. We are completely sold out for the all new Creek Bar which is very encouraging.
“We’re also breaking new ground this weekend with Free-to-air television coverage with Channel Seven on board, they will showcase the TAB Blacks A Fake plus the Ultimate Tools 3yo feature before the main event which is very exciting.”
NOVA 106.9FM Radio personality and breakfast show host David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral will again be trackside and is expected to ‘call’ the Jockeys/Drivers Final.
Luttsy and partner Emily Seebohm are No.1 ticket holders at ‘The Creek’.
Gates open at 4.30pm.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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