21 March 2023 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL COURT
HE’S won Group 1 races with some of our best pacers including Expensive Ego, Pelosi and Scandalman.
So, it’s little wonder trainers like Ian Wilson, David Thorn, Graeme Watts and Leon Jurd are lining up for the services of Jimmy Douglass at Menangle today.
The ‘pocket rocket’ reinsman has picked up five handy drives on the seven-race card at Club Menangle.
At the age of 36, Douglass is quickly closing in on his 900th winner and heads for the south-western Sydney track quietly confident he can find the winners’ circle.
Douglas felt all five had excellent chances today but forced to single out one in particular, felt the David Thorn-trained The Tax Cullector in Race 7 might be worth the wait.
“He’s a really nice horse and he has been his whole life,” Douglass told National Trotguide on-line’s Mike Ko’cass.
“He won a feature race in Qld at only his third race start and has raced really well at Penrith since coming down here.
“He had a go at the NSW Derby heats and he really wasn’t disgraced in what was a slowly-run race.
“This is his virtually his first start against what you could probably call his own grade over a mile and it should be a good guide to his future.
“Some adapt to the mile here quickly and go really well, while others take a bit longer to adapt.
“I’m really keen to see how he goes today.
“At Penrith he’s shown a really good turn of foot; he got home in 27.4s at Penrith in one of his wins and not many horses can do that.
“Hopefully we can get into a handy spot and be right in the action.
“The Tax Cullector is probably the best of my five drives although it’s still a bit unknown as to how he’ll go.”
Douglass also has just his third drive on the handy Colin Bromac for Graeme Watts and must fancy his chances after drawing gate one in Race 6.
“I have only driven him twice, and both of those were from wider draws than this,” said Douglass.
“He’s going really well and ran a good second last week and although was beaten a fair way, did beat the rest of the field.
“Hopefully he can be thereabouts again today.
“He’s up against a handy one in Sky Blu and I’d love it if we can sit on his back and go well.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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