MICHAEL Brennan has scaled the greatest heights as a hockey player, now he wants to do the same in harness racing.
Brennan was a key member of the Kookaburras, who won Gold for Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
He’s always had a passion for harness racing and, in recent times, has emerged as one of the major training forces in Western Australia.
Brennan has a twin-pronged assault with former Kiwis Jason Rulz and Billies A Star in the Perth Inter Dominion, which starts at Gloucester Park tomorrow (Friday) night.
“I’ve got them both where I want them. Jason Rulz has two good lead-up runs under his belt, while Billies A Star’s work this week was the best he’s shown us,” he said.
Jason Rulz is first out for Brennan, but will need luck as the lone back row runner from gate 10 in a heat where Waylade (gate two) is a commanding favourite.
“It’s going to be hard to win from there, but I think we’ll go the pegs, settle three back and hope the gaps open-up when it matters,” Brennan said.
“Whatever way you look at it, he should get a fairly comfy run and get some good points. If he sees daylight at the right time, he’ll finish it off really well.”
Billies A Star has gate five in the second heat where Victorian star Lennytheshark is a commanding favourite despite drawing wide in gate seven.
Brennan think it is important to be aggressive, at least early, with Billies A Star.
“He’s a good beginner and drawn quite well. We have to have a crack for the lead. I wouldn’t mind sitting parked (outside the leader) if he had to,” he said.
“He’s a tough fella. He’s the sort of horse you can drive aggressively and he thrive on the three heats in a week.”
Brennan also has mighty NSW mare Frith in his care for the mares’ features during the Inter Dominion carnival.
Frith led throughout to beat free-for-all company at her first run for Brennan last Friday at Gloucester Park.
“We decided to give her this week off and focus on the big mares’ races over the next two weeks,” he said.
“She’s a freak. She’s come through the run so well.
“Chris (Voak, driver) was blown away by how good she felt and how easy she did it last week.
“She’s the one they have to beat in the next two big ones that’s for sure.”
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