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Premier trainer Emma Stewart is taking a shot at landing a fourth consecutive Charlton Pacing Cup win on Sunday.
Stewart has Cant Top This as favourite, with the six-year-old endeavouring to emulate the deeds of Demon Delight (2022), Like A Wildfire (2021) and Fourbigmen (2020).
The Matt Craven-trained Crime Writer, Curly James for David Moran and Helluva form the John Justice team are also in the market as leading contenders, with the quartet starting side-by-side off the front row.
While these will be the primary focus of punters, the hometown crowd will have their eyes set on the fortunes of Charlton duo Cee Cee In America (pictured) and Sahara Tiger in the $35,000 Charlton & District Community Bank Charlton Pacing Cup.
Cee Cee In America is trained by Charlton Harness Racing Club president Joey Thompson, while Sahara Tiger hails from the stable of Shane Sanderson and goes into Sunday’s race after four wins in a row at Mildura.
They will be driven by siblings Abby and Ryan Sanderson respectively.
Thompson knows Cee Cee In America faces a big assignment, but having a live chance in the feature has him up and about.
“I’d love to win the cup,” Thompson said.
Cee Cee In America has not won September, 2021, but this does not faze Thompson, with the seven-year-old having been a model of consistency ahead of his second tilt at a Charlton Pacing Cup.
Cee Cee In America finished sixth in 2020 when in the stable of fellow Charlton trainer Greg Norman
“He went enormous that day and didn’t get beaten a long way.”
Encouraging for Thompson is how well Cee Cee In America races on his home track, with three wins and seven minor placings in 14 starts.
He was also impressed with his fourth in Birchip Mallee Bull Pacing Cup on Sunday, which followed up a second in the Boort Cup.
“He dropped a knee boot (at Birchip) at the start and stood on it all the way. It can be difficult enough around the Birchip track without something like that. He toughed it out really well and he’ll have to do the same again.”
Thompson is rapt with the barrier draw in one.
“It definitely helps. It’s the best spot for him. He’ll be able to tuck in (behind them).”
Thompson also has his fingers crossed for filly Joe Got Rolled, which he also trains, in The Terry “Ripper” Calling Fanatics 3yo Classic, 2100m.
As president, Thompson is expecting a bumper Cup Day, with the club’s “Punt Off” attracting 12 participants, a Team Teal fund-raiser and fashions on the field.
Wilbur Wilde and The Trouble Makers will also be on course to keep racegoers entertained during and after the 10-race program, which also features the Group 3 North West Ag Services Charlton Trotters Cup, 2570m.
TUNE IN at MELTON on Saturday
First Race: 12.59pm Last Race: 6.19pm
Racecaller: Lachie McIntosh, with Toby McKinnon and Shannon O’Sullivan.
TrotsVision: WATCH LIVE
SEN Track: LISTEN LIVE
RSN 927: LISTEN LIVE
Winner of the Week
PERPETUITY, by American Ideal out of Bamako Mali, in the My Brilliant Hair Gold Tiara Heat Six at Menangle on March 16.
Breed your next winner with Woodlands Stud, supporter of Trots Centre
