14 December 2022 | Tim Walker
Champion trainer Gary Hall Snr’s prospects of winning a third Retravision-Golden Nugget (2536m) have been given a significant boost, after Finvarra drew barrier one earlier this afternoon.
The talented pacer drew barrier eight in both the 4YO Championship and 4YO Classic earlier this campaign and acquitted himself well on both occasions.
The son of American Ideal, already a Group 1 winner as a three-year-old, has never drawn barrier one in 22 career starts.
Hall Snr won the Nugget in 2011 with The Gold Ace and in 2015 with Beaudiene Boaz.
Speaking to TABradio earlier today, Hall Snr said there wasn’t a lot between Finvarra and his other Nugget runner Jumpingjackmac.
“He’s a horse that can be used out of the gate and if he led, I think he’d be really hard to beat,” he said.
“He’s good over the distance.
“He’s proven at that level.
“The barrier draws are what has fixed him up at the last two runs.”
Jumpingjackmac, who finished a brave second in the 4YO Classic, will have a tough task overcoming barrier six in the Nugget.
Hall Snr said he was pleased with the promising pacer’s 4YO Classic effort and would need luck on Friday night.
“He did all the work and got beaten by a horse who had a great run, albeit he beat him quite easily,” he said.
“I thought Jumpingjackmac was really good.
“I’m a little bit concerned that he doesn’t win that often.
“He’s always running good races but not winning.
“He needs a truly run race and if he gets that I’m sure he can win.”
The Amber Hare, the only mare in the field, drew nicely in barrier two.
Mighty Ronaldo, who won the Golden Slipper and WA Derby in this age group, has drawn well in barrier three, while stablemate El Chema will have to overcome barrier nine.
Lavra Joe will be looking to get his first Group 1 win from barrier four.
Trainers Greg and Skye Bond will be represented by last start winners Himself and Tenzing Bromac, who will start from barrier five and 11 respectively.
Pinny Tiger will be looking to add the Nugget to his 4YO Classic win but will have to overcome barrier seven.
Eldaytona (barrier eight), Ezana (10) and Machnificent (12) round out the stellar field.
Stamford and Ragazzo Mach are the two emergencies.
The Retravision Golden Nugget gets underway at 7.51pm on Friday.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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