02 January 2024 | HRSA Media
TONIGHT’S opening race in Port Pirie will be a ‘two-horse’ race of a different kind.
Although 10 runners will clash over 2050 metres, the field consists of entrants from just two stables.
Luke O’Neill dominates via numbers, with seven representatives, while Peter Brown provides the balance.
Despite his intimidating squad – including the $2.80 TAB Fixed Odds favourite, Horse Of Course – O’Neill believes the race is a “wide open affair”.
“I don’t think there is one in the race that can’t win with the right run,” O’Neill said. “To me there isn’t a standout which should just win.
“It’s a pretty wide open affair and will come down to who gets the right run.”
Boasting three wins and a second from his last five starts, Horse Of Course will begin from the 10-metre line with David Smith in the cart.
“Horse Of Course has the exposed form, so I can see why he is favourite, but as I said, it’s an even field,” O’Neill said. “Even though he is off 20 metres, and first-up for several months, I reckon So Vogue is the one to beat.”
Later on the card O’Neill has James Oliver drawn to lead throughout from the pole over a mile.
The son of Highview Tommy has had two starts from a spell for a third and a second.
“He gets his chance tonight,” O’Neill said. “His two runs from a short freshen-up have been good and he’s working up to a win.
“With a bit of luck he will get it tonight.”
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