Lots happening in harness racing this week as we embark on a new era of national ratings based handicapping.
We’ve had a super night of Alabar Vicbred Super Series Semi-Finals at Melton and a cracking day of Alabar Breeders Challenge finals at Menangle.
So let’s get stuck into another week by recapping some of the action.
Mach claims Breeders Challenge
Luke McCarthy says two-year-olds Be Happy Mach and Jilliby Nitro “look the two best colts” in their class after the pair finished first and third in yesterday’s Art Major Alabar NSW Breeders Challenge Final.
The star Sydney driver piloted Be Happy Mach to a neck win in the $125,000 Group 1 for Victorian trainer Emma Stewart, while two-time Group 1 winner Jilliby Nitro burned early and finished third.
“Clayton (Tonkin) and Emma were really happy with him. His semi-final run was super. I was actually hoping Crunch Time (a fast beginner) would put a bit more speed on in the run, but they were moving early and Jilliby Nitro had to smoke out,” McCarthy said.
“He’s had a big season (Jilliby Nitro) … they look the two best colts I think.”
McCarthy added that Be Happy Mach’s Australian Pacing Gold third placing – the son of Mach Three’s only defeat from seven starts to date – was “unreal”.
“He parked out in that race and stuck on really well.”
McCarthy finished Super Sunday at Menangle with dual Group 1 success, also capturing the Sportswriter Alabar NSW Breeders Challenge 3YO Fillies Final with No Win No Feed.
“She’s had a big season with two Group 1s now. We’ll give her a quiet week or so and get her ready for the Breeders Crown,” he said.
What an amazing ride horse ownership can be ! Well done Be Happy Mach team @TPMenangle and particular @TonkinStewart and Luke McCarthy. pic.twitter.com/QvrittSAVL
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) June 30, 2019
Gee he deserved that Be Happy Mach. Superb @lukeamccarthy drive. Got one back on Jilliby Nitro despite the worse draw. Congrats @AndrewBensley and crew!
— Adam Hamilton (@AdamTABSports) June 30, 2019
Sensational seven Semis for Stewart
Champion trainer Emma Stewart’s dominance continued in the Alabar Vicbred Super Series pacing semi-finals on Saturday night.
Stewart trained seven Semi-Final winners and qualified 23 horses for this Saturday night’s Group 1 Super Series finals at Tabcorp Park Melton.
“It was terrific. Everything went to plan. We had a couple of disappointments, but when you have so many in that will always be the case,” she said.
Stewart also said the stable was proud of Be Happy Mach’s Breeders Challenge Group 1 win on Sunday.
Can’t win them all, but seven will do! @Alabarfarms @TheTrotsComAu @TonkinStewart https://t.co/s2i6xXVXiS
— National Trotguide (@trotguide) June 29, 2019
Wills Went and conquered
A fantastic training performance by Laurie Wills saw eight-year-old gelding Lets Went win first-up from a long spell at Bendigo on Sunday night.
At big odds the lightly raced son of Union Guy improved on his already impressive record with a 1.4m win over Heaven Attracts in a 1:54.6 mile rate over 1650m, paying $36.80.
“He’s a bit invisible to them,” Wills said of the punters and the price.
“I’ve only ever put him in the $10,000 and $7000 races, so he’s always raced the best of them.
“He had a few issues which we’ve fixed up through the great work of vet Alastair Maclean and now he’s in real good order. I was confident that if we could settle close enough he’d run well.”
Wills said there would be improvement in the pacer, who he said had “more spirit than you’d like”.
“You have to be able to put up with it but you’ll either be able to work through it or he’ll kill you,” he laughed. “He’s a bit of a rogue but he’s got ability and lots of improvement I’d say now that he’s in good order.
“It’s very satisfying.”
I doubt we’ll be seeing $36.80 again anytime soon.
New ratings system under way
Harness Racing Victoria officials were on hand at Tabcorp Park Melton today to meet participants and answer questions as the new national ratings based handicapping system began.
A free barbecue put on by HRV, Tabcorp Park and the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association was a popular meeting place with intricacies of the new ratings system the topic of conversation.
“Today was just a great opportunity to be trackside and to listen to feedback, answer questions and meet some of the passionate grassroots trainers and drivers in our sport,” HRV General Manager – Racing Stephen Bell said.
“The new handicapping system is a monumental shift from the old system and while not everything will be perfect straight away, we’re all in this together and we’re eager to listen and learn to make this system the best it can be for all involved.”
