08 March 2019 | APG Media
THOSE looking to increase their odds during Sunday’s Ladbrokes Australian Pacing Gold Sale in Perth should consider stock presented by Steve Johnson.
Johnson offered 10 yearlings last season, with five qualified for the Group One Sales Series races at Gloucester Park tonight.
Among the ‘fab five’ are Manning and Major Martini – the two favourites in the Colts’ and Geldings’ Final.
A son of Sportswriter, Manning is a $1.40 hot shot with TAB Fixed Odds following his impressive debut win in his heat.
Trained by Justice Prentice, Manning will begin from barrier four with Gary Hall junior in the sulky.
Also triumphant in his qualifier at his first start, Major Martini is at $2.40.
A stablemate of Manning, the son of Art Major will be driven Prentice, with the pair to begin from gate six.
Nigel Ernest rounds out the Johnson-bred runners in the field, with the David Thompson-trained gelding drawn perfectly in the pole.
A solid fourth from a wide draw in his heat, Nigel Ernest is listed among the outsiders at $34.
Johnson also bred Major Think Twice and Areu Talkin, which will contest the $100,000 Fillies’ Final.
Runner-up in her heat, Major Think Twice has fared best in gate five, with Areu Talkin to come from seven.
“It is pleasing to see a number of them going around in the Final,” Johnson said. “Hopefully each of the owners will enjoy good luck tonight and beyond.”
As for his latest offerings, Johnson has eight yearlings ready to enter the sales ring.
Johnson’s crew breaks down to four colts and four fillies.
When forced to select his likely top seller, Johnson selected Lot 530.
By Somebeachsomewhere the colt is from Gabriella Rocks – dam of 2016 APG Sales Classic winner, Red Hot Roxy.
“Lot 530 is a brother to Red Hot Roxy and he’s a big strapping imposing type,” Johnson said. “He is a big powerful boy.”
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