Often-underrated mare Reciprocity will attempt to make a leap to the state’s elite via this year’s Flying Brick Cider Co. Geelong Pacing Cup, fresh from a one-lap last to first dash at Melton.
Having won nine of 30 starts for trainer Peter Manning at an average starting price of $8.83, Reciprocity will launch from gate three in Saturday night’s feature and has been installed as a $13 outsider with TAB.com.au.
Reinswoman Kerryn Manning told Trots Talk the six-year-old mare “needs to step up and see what happens”.
“It’s a very strong field, she’s just drawn a bit awkward in three, where she’s going to need to get in the running line probably and hopefully get some good cover.”
While co-favourites Tam Major and Trots Country Cups Championship leader Code Black loom large on the back row, Manning will be hoping the big guns pour plenty of pace into the race to allow Reciprocity to invoke her fast finish.
That was certainly on display last Friday night, when she came from last at the bell to climb over the 12-horse field and win the $20,000 pace.
“The race was run to suit – the leaders went pretty hard up front, we got a nice cart up, albeit three back and three wide, but she’s a pretty smart horse on her day,” Manning said. “It was pretty pleasing to go on and win.”
The world’s most successful reinswoman is hoping that form can translate to Saturday’s higher grade.
“She’s quite versatile, she has shown at times she can sit-sprint or she can do a bit of work. She’s probably going to have to rely on a bit of luck, but if the speed’s on she will run on really well.
“The owner’s a lovely fella, Henry (Campbell), and hopefully she can go well in the cup. It’s a bit harder again this week but she deserves to be there.”
Manning has also prepared Pantzup, the pacer turned trotter who was a nominee for Victorian trotting mare of the year. Previously trained by Gavin Lang, who’s battling illness, Pantzup will step off the back mark in Saturday’s Yabby Dam Racing McNamara Memorial Trotters Cup.
“Again we will need a lot of luck in a big field, but it’s a nice even field, if she improves off St Arnaud (Cup) and gets a little bit go her way they will know she’s there.”
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