Proud South Australian Geoff Webster could land his fourth win in South Australia’s premier harness event following today’s declaration of the field and barrier draw.
His dual Inter Dominion placegetter Flaming Flutter has drawn favourably in gate five off the front row in the Group 1 $100,000 Ubet South Australian Pacing Cup (2230m).
Webster has won the cup previously with Ryans Day (1999), Mister Swinger (2009) and Mister Zion (2010).
Inter Dominion consolation winner Major Crocker didn’t draw so well in gate 11 but will come out behind Flaming Flutter and no doubt will try follow through when the mobile draws away.
The question still remains which horse another former South Australian Greg Sugars will drive.
He has been listed for both Flaming Flutter and Major Crocker but was unavailable today.
Previously he has chosen Flaming Flutter in preference but Gary Crocker, owner of Major Crocker, has said he would prefer a longer term commitment.
“These horses are going to clash more often and my preference is to have the same reinsperson each time, not having to wait until draws occur,” Crocker said.
“Major Crocker is trialling tonight and I will speak with Vince (trainer Vince Vallelonga) later and all should be confirmed by 9am tomorrow morning.”
Victorian trainer Brent Lilley has accepted with Crusader Acey (eight) and Tasmania Cup winner Lets Elope (twelve).
Astute Tony Peacock will have Yarra Valley Cup winner Barimah come from gate nine.
South Australia’s pacers Global View (six), Some Kinda Tactics (seven) and Come On Frank (ten) did not fare well at the draw.
Webster has a chance of a feature race double with Motu Gatecrasher coming up with barrier one in the Group 3 $30,000 SA BOTRA South Australian Pacing Derby (2230m).
Motu Gatecrasher has had two runs from a spell and is last start winner at Terang.
Webster also accepted in the Derby with the consistent Keep On Rocking which will come from nine.
The unbeaten Mario Attard-trained Don’t Hold Back will come from gate seven with Greg Sugars to drive.
Other promising Victorians in the Derby are the Mark Watson-trained Brallos Pass and Peter Manning’s Christmas Jolt.
Another former South Australian John Justice is back home with Hotasel in the cup and Four Starzzz Forsa in the derby.
South Australia’s best chance of a feature race success is in the Group 2 $30,000 Ubet South Australian Trotters Cup (2645m) with Pocketfullofcash and Rejuvenation in top form and capable of taking it to local rivals and four Victorian visitors.
Pocketfullofcash will start off the front and last year’s winner Rejuvenation off 10 metres while the back marker, off 30 metres, is the Tony Peacock-trained Irish Whisper, a winner of 14 races, the most recent being the Cobram Trotters Cup on December 27.
His previous win was on November 15 in the St Arnaud Trotters Cup.
South Australia’s songbird Rachael Leahcar will serenade patrons during the evening and kids continue to enjoy on-course fun including free rides, face painting and glitter tattoos. Sandra Hutchinson is again showcasing Fashions on the Lawns for those of all ages who are dressed to impress. Chapel Lodge Standardbred Rescue and Rehabilitation will introduce to one of their success stories and the SA Pony Trots will delight the crowds with a full four races. As the night goes on, a DJ will keep the party atmosphere alight.
An eight-race program has been selected for Saturday night with the opening event at 6.52pm.
Saturday night at Globe Derby Park, it’s time to come back to the Trots!
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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