Ballarat-based trainer Sam Barker will launch a three-pronged attack on South Australia Cup night at Globe Derby Park.
Barker ventured across state lines last week to qualify three of his stable stars for the major features at Adelaide's harness racing headquarters this Saturday evening.
Five-year-old gelding Mercenary impressed when he overcame a 30-metre handicap to race tough and dominate in his heat of the South Australian Trotters Cup.
“If he recovers pretty well and trots good on Saturday night, I think he will be very hard to beat. He did that pretty easy,” Barker said.
Two races following his trotting success, Barker prepared Ultimate Vinnie for victory in his heat of the South Australian Pacing Cup.
“Vinnie's one of those horses that won’t run away from them,” Barker stated.
“It will be interesting to see come the final how much more he can improve off that. He was first-up from a break, so I think there’s going to be a fair bit of improvement to come for the final. It was a good little run - it wasn’t too hard.”
Ultimate Vinnie has drawn barrier three in the biggest race of the South Australian racing calendar.
Three-year-old filly Remi Lou also qualified for the Kevin and Kay Seymour South Australian Pacing Derby when finishing third behind Meteor Moth in her heat.
“I think she just needs a good barrier draw in the final,” Barker said.
“Emma Stewart’s horse (Meteor Moth) and Aaron Dunn’s horse (Dee Roe) are going to be hard to beat. Being a mare, she’s not completely out of it.”
Other key Victorian contenders looking for glory on Saturday night include Yambukian, Hector and Saifa for Andy Gath, Jazspur for Michel Bellman, Wish Upona Dream for Rebecca Morrissey, Abouttime for Maryanne Laffan, Idyllic for Naomi Kerr and Wild Bull, Delightful Tammy and Cee Cee Lou for Greg Norman.