by PAUL COURTS
IF YOU’RE at Tabcorp Park Menangle – or within 300 kilometres – at approximately 8.17 on Saturday night, don’t be startled if you hear a massive simultaneous shout.
It just means Stefsbest has caused a minor upset by capturing the Ladbrokes Australian Pacing Gold Final.
Although the son of Sportswriter is on the fourth line of betting for the $322,000 Group One, he will head the field in supporters according to trainer Ahmed Taiba.
Taiba is also positive the two-year-old’s entourage will result in him starting shorter than $15.
“By the time most of the family and friends turn up, it could be the biggest crowd to attend Menangle,” Taiba joked. “If he wins, you will hear them all the way back in Melbourne.
“Given the sentiment behind this horse, he will have a massive following, with a lot of people planning to make the trip.
“By the time they all put a few dollars on him, there is no doubt his price will drop.”
It’s been well-documented Stefsbest is named after Taiba’s nephew who died in tragic circumstances a few years ago.
“He is named after Haas’ son, who was killed tragically a couple of years ago when only 18,” Taiba said. “We’ve been waiting until we got the right horse to hold and carry his legacy and we’re confident we’ve found the right one.
“I’ve got a high opinion of him and H\have no doubt he is capable of upsetting the main pair under the right conditions.”
A noted quick beginner, Stefsbest will begin from barrier two, with Taiba sure the colt can lead.
Stefsbest won his heat at Melton three weeks ago before finishing third behind Sicario and Higherthenaneagle in his semi last Saturday night.
Drawn nine, Sicario is the second favourite at $2.15, with exciting Victorian freshman Lumineer the favourite at $1.75 from six.
“He’ll be pushed out from there and I’m positive he will find the pegs first,” Taiba said. “If we do lead, like I believe he will, we will be giving it everything.
“We won’t be coming off the track thinking we didn’t give it everthing we have.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
