Greg hoping for some Aladdin magic at Wangaratta

Charlton trainer Greg Norman is taking Aladdin to the $14,500 Yarrawonga Refrigeration and Airconditioning Wangaratta Pacing Cup on Sunday with two objectives.

Naturally he’s hoping the five-year-old wins.

If Aladdin achieves that he will also certainly deliver on Norman’s second target.

That’s to earn a run in the Charlton Pacing Cup a week later.

“That’s the plan,” Norman said.

“Hopefully he goes well enough to have the form to get a spot in the hometown cup.

“It’s always great to have a runner in your hometown cup and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Aladdin showed he is on track with an improved close second to Julius Shadow in the Mt Gambier Country Cup on Saturday.

That was his first top-three finish in five starts and gave Norman plenty to be happy about.

“His form has been a bit off so it was good to see him back to his best.”

Norman expects it to be much tougher to get a run in the Charlton Cup, so he knows Aladdin must produce a good enough performance to ensure he is selected.

The Wangaratta Cup attracted seven acceptors, but has been reduced in size with an early scratching.

Along with Aladdin, the Terry French-trained Lorimermajor and consistent last-start Cobram winner Bubba Scrub appear the hardest to beat.

Norman is in with a big chance of a feature double on the nine-race program.

He also has Blue Coman engaged in the $14,500 Reflex Glass/J&T Joinery Wangaratta Trotters Cup.

Blue Coman starts off 10m, with Robbie Royale the backmarker on 30m, and is a country cups specialist.

Blue Coman also made the trip to Mt Gambier, where he finished fourth, and is always competitive in this type of company.

The Wangaratta Pacing Cup was last year won by Nerano and two years ago by the reigning Inter Dominion champion I Cast No Shadow.

TUNE IN at WANGARATTA on Sunday

First Race: 5.45pm Last Race: 9.55pm
Racecaller: Dan Mielicki.
TrotsVision: WATCH LIVE
SEN Track: LISTEN LIVE
RSN 927: L ISTEN LIVE

Winner of the Week

WATER LOU, by Sweet Lou out of Living Hei, in the APG 2YO Fillies Sales Classic at Gloucester Park on March 3.

Breed your next winner with Woodlands Stud, supporter of Trots Centre

The good oil from the Vic trials circuit

Wangaratta, R7 N10, Chevron Flies

At Kilmore on February 28, MACHAVELLI trailed the leader early and worked around to find the lead at the 1600m. He finished off in a last half of 58.2 seconds and held off his rivals to get the prize. He is engaged to race at both Cranbourne tonight and at Shepparton on Tuesday. CHEVRON FLIES finished second after settling four back on the inside and moving into the one out and one back trail at the 600m. The outstanding trotting mare QUEEN ELIDA settled down a clear last early, was still at the tail of the field on the home turn and finished off nicely out wide on the track to fill third position. REPORT