16 February 2023 | Tim Walker
Friday night’s Group 3 Lord Mayors Cup (2130m) has attracted an even field, including three runners from last month’s WA Pacing Cup.
Hampton Banner, who has mixed his form in recent starts, has come up with the prized barrier one for the $50,000 event.
Patronus Star, who won the Media Guild Cup earlier this month, has also drawn favourably in barrier 10 and looks well placed to continue his good form.
Handsandwheels, who was narrowly beaten by Glenledi Chief in last week’s Free-For-All, has drawn barrier two and will be out to continue his resurgence in the fast class ranks.
The draw wasn’t as kind to Glenledi Chief, who drew wide in barrier seven and will be driven by Gary Hall Jnr once again.
Elsewhere, The Amber Hare and Nevermindthechaos will clash again in the $30,000 TABtouch-Summer Feature (2130m) for the mares.
Meanwhile, trainer Michael Brennan is pleased with Group 1 winner Pinny Tiger ahead of his New South Wales debut in Friday’s Newcastle Mile (1609m).
Pinny Tiger trialled with Jilliby Kung Fu at Menangle on Saturday night and rated 1:52.5.
Brennan said he was pleased how his charge was tracking ahead of Friday’s $100,000 event.
“Jimmy (Rattray) was really happy with him,” he told TABradio’s One Out One Back.
“He said he was nice and sharp early.
“His last 50m of his trial was absolutely sensational and Jimmy was really happy with it.
“It was just a nice little opener for him.”
The five-year-old drew barrier seven for the Group 2 feature, with key rivals B D Joe and Alta Wiseguy drawn barriers one and two respectively.
Brennan said he expected Pinny Tiger’s blistering gate speed to hold him in good stead.
“They all tell me it’s fairly beneficial to be drawn a little wide, a bit like the 1700 and 2500 start at GP,” he said.
“We are quite pleased with the draw.
“What we can gather from early speed maps is Petes Said So might get across the one and the two and probably be looking to hand.
“That’s if we don’t cross them all in one go.”
Pinny Tiger is equal second favourite with TABtouch for the Newcastle Mile at $5.
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