28 January 2021 | HRNSW MEDIA
FREELANCE driver Jim Douglass has made a worthwhile career out of harness racing and his easy-going personality, matched with a strong work ethic, makes him a popular choice amongst trainers.
Douglass gets good results as a reinsman and at the height of his career was a regular visitor to the winners’ circle at Harold Park.
You do not have to go back far to find Douglass amongst the top-10 state drivers in New South Wales, in fact it was during the 2012/13 season, he finished seventh with 82 winners in the premiership race.
In more recent times, however, Douglass has been content to head from his Castle Hill home to Theresa Park where he assists long-term associate, Ian Wilson with the training of his horses.
Tonight, at Penrith, Douglass is turning back the clock a little as he has a very busy night with drives in six of the seven races on the program.
“I have some really nice drives tonight and will be busy jumping from cart to cart,” said Douglass.
“But I love nights like this, if you are going to be at the races, it makes it worthwhile to have a solid book.
“Looking at the horses that I am driving tonight, I would say that Bettor Be Lucky (Race 3) is one that I would suggest has a good chance of winning.
“His numerical form does not read all that flash, but you have to consider that he has been racing in much stronger company at Menangle.
“He has drawn awkwardly in barrier seven but if we get the breaks we need throughout the race, he will be steaming home, for sure.”
Douglass also believes that Flying Pegasus (Race 4) is dropping in grade where he has not been disgraced and has drawn nicely in barrier two.
“He has been going well in better grade and is an absolute opportunist,” he said.
“If he gets the run to suit, he will be right in the finish.”
Most of Douglass’s drives have been kept safe in betting markets, which indicates that they are all capable of running a handy race.
“On form the horses I am driving rate well so all in all, I think I can have a good night,” said the popular reinsman.
iForm
Penrith best bet
Race 7: Art Of Grange (5)
Can make amends after going off stride in a winning position last start.
Penrith next best
Race 1: Notmuchuptop (7)
Capable of testing the popular elects close up in better grade lately.
Play the exotics
The Penrith Quaddie
Race 4: 3-5-1
Race 5: 1-4-7
Race 6: 3-8-7
Race 7: 5-8-3
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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