19 November 2020 | HRNSW MEDIA
RICKIE Alchin is facing a big weekend that all kicks off on Friday night at Newcastle.
Alchin will drive up to the Central Coast from Menangle brimming with confidence after his talented gelding, Crunch Time drew barrier five in the Group 3 $30,000 New South Wales Breeders Challenge Eastern Region Final.
The three-year-old has proven to be one of the best of his crop for owner and breeder Alf La Spina, winning eight races this term, often beating some of the top youngsters in the state.
The son of Somebeachsomewhere rated a slick mile rate of 1:54.0 to win at Penrith last start and four starts back ran a scintillating 1:49.6 at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
“It has been a massive couple of weeks for our stable,” said Alchin.
“We had Tough Monarch contest the Dominion Trot at Addington last Friday, where he did us proud by running third and then on Saturday night our two-year-old, Watts Up Sunshine, ran out of his skin to finish second in a semi-final of the Victorian Breeders Crown.”
Watts Up Sunshine has drawn barrier 12 in the $300,000 Breeders Crown Final at Melton, Victoria, this Saturday night and Alchin remains optimistic that if the breaks go his way, the gelding can be right in the finish.
“He is a lovely horse who always gives his best and he deserves his place in the Final,” said Alchin.
“It is a great feeling to have a number of horses in the stable performing at Group 1 level.
“Our horses have been going well in top company and racing for good prizemoney . . . and I hope that they continue to hold their own.
“We are off to Newcastle on Friday to tackle two of the Breeders Challenge Region Finals with half-brothers Crunch Time and Captain Crusader.
“Crunch Time is such a fast beginner who loves to lead in his races so our reinsman Cameron Hart will be taking him to the top and will give them something to chase over the mile.
“Captain Crusader also won last start at Penrith and he should be well served at the start from barrier three.
“He found the major Breeders Challenge Final a little too strong back on October 24 but gets back into easier company.”
Alchin’s younger brother Alex is also heading to Newcastle with his handy filly Feels Lika Winner (Race 3), who will acquit herself well despite drawing wide.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
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