by Chris Barsby
Leading reinsman Shane Graham could be the punters pal this weekend.
And he’s given them a strong lead.
The Brisbane based driver knocked back the opportunity to head south to the feature meeting at Newcastle this Saturday night to remain at his home track of Albion Park.
Astute Sydney trainer Craig Cross reached out to Graham to take the drives behind Allblack Stride and Astride in their respective features, the Gr.3 $31,800 Ave Technologies Ross Gigg Newcastle Mile and the Somerset Meats Newcastle Derby.
Bookies have them listed as favourites for their events.
Instead, Graham will remain at Albion Park to take the drive behind last start open class winner Glenferrie Hood in the Seymour Group Free-For-All over 2138m.
Graham took the drive last start behind the Christian Cullen gelding when successful in a time of 1:52.0.
“It wasn’t an easy call to make because both of those horses at Newcastle look very hard to beat, I’ve won the Newcastle Mile previously (Avonnova – 2014) and it’s a race close to my heart but I want to stick with Hoodie.” Graham explained.
With the Brisbane winter carnival fast approaching, connections of Glenferrie Hood are looking at playing a hand in most features they contest and it starts next week.
The $20,000 Flashing Red is main event and will be staged over 2647m and naturally, run under standing-start conditions.
Flashing Red enjoyed tremendous success after being purchased by Stuart Hunter and Norm Jenkin which culminated with his dual success in the New Zealand Cup (2006/07).
A strong line-up is expected next week which could potentially leave Graham in another jam of sorts with comeback pacer Avonnova tipped to start.
“That’s a bridge I’ll cross when it arrives; I’m just focused on this weekend and hopeful that Hoodie can go back to back, I thought his win last start was very good and his overall form since coming north has been very impressive.
“By the look of things, the Flashing Red is going to be very solid race but most open class races are like that nowadays. It won’t be any pushover for Hoodie this weekend because the draw could make it a little tricky.
“I haven’t confirmed anything with Ian (Gurney – Avonnova) following his victory last week so I’ll just get through this weekend and see how things look next week when the fields are released. It won’t be an easy call to make because both are obviously in very good form.”
The short list of options for Gurney includes Pete McMullen and Adam Sanderson while the possibility of a leading interstate driver partnering the triple Queensland Horse of the Year hasn’t been ruled out.
Watch this space.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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