30 May 2019 | Tim Walker
Last week, much of the commentary around the Free-For-All was around the Gary Hall Snr-trained duo of King Of Swing and Chicago Bull and whether the challenger could topple the champ.
As it turned out, the even less celebrated Hall Snr-trained pacer Whozideawasthis toppled them both.
All three pacers are back again this week.
However, a new contender re-emerges to try and take down Chicago Bull, widely regarded as the nation’s best pacer.
Vultan Tin returns to the track after two Friday night’s off in this week’s Life Is On Schneider Electric Free-For-All (2130m).
The seven-year-old was unplaced at his three most recent starts, following a win on Easter Thursday.
Despite the slightly patchy form and presence of Hall Snr’s runners, connections of Vultan Tin have reason to be buoyant this week, given he will start from barrier two.
Vultan Tin’s stablemate Anime has the inside draw, while King Of Swing, Chicago Bull and Whozideawasthis have drawn four, five and six respectively.
Maczaffair, who made a strong return last week in the Fillies and Mares Free-For-All, rounds out the field from barrier three.
Reinsman Chris Voak said he expected Vultan Tin to have little issue finding a prominent position from barrier two, but indicated the small field could bring about his undoing.
“I couldn’t imagine him (Anime) holding us out,” Voak told GPTV.
“I don’t like these five horse fields…especially for Vultan Tin because they’ve got too many horses for speed that will zap him late.
“It’s been like that the last few times he’s had to sit in the breeze.
“This time he looks to be able to lead, but we’ve probably got King Of Swing peppering us.
“It’s a good test.”
Later in the night, Voak will look to deliver himself and trainer Ross Olivieri their first win in the Group 1 Diamond Classic (2130m) when they team up with Run For Mercy.
Run For Mercy went within a short half-head of winning her Diamond Heat, narrowly falling short of Askmeilltellya.
The Pet Rock filly has put together two wins and four placings from six career starts and Voak said he’d always had a liking for her over Double Expresso, despite her inferior record.
“Ross had her and Double Expresso working up and I said to Ross ‘if I can have the choice I’m taking her’,” he said.
“As it turned out, Double Expresso won her first five straight.
“I think Run For Mercy is very underrated against Double Expresso.
“She hasn’t been hidden in any of her races, I reckon she’s had to sit in the breeze for 80 per cent of them.”
Run For Mercy has drawn barrier 12 for the feature and Voak said it suited his filly perfectly.
“I think it’s been kind to us and unkind to a few of the other major players,” he said.
“Run For Mercy’s trackwork (on Tuesday morning) was as good as it’s been.
“I think it’s the most exciting race on the program.”
Voak also has the drive on leading fancies Veiled Secret, Crystal Sparkles and Captured Delight on the program.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
