Trots Centre: Geoff Eyes familiar face, gives Wink a nod

Geoff Lucas is preparing to farewell the new "King of Mildura" this evening but is also looking forward to welcoming back a familiar face into his Gol Gol North stables.

The hobby trainer has prepared the rejuvenated Bernie Winkle for 10 wins during a 12-start stint in the Mildura region and will look to cap off the stay with success in the Park Douglas Printing Pace (1790m) tonight.

Lucas was trusted with Bernie Winkle by owner Eric Anderson back in April and the gelding will now head to Julie Douglas, who trains a team in Strathfieldsaye.

While Lucas has fallen in love with the seven-year-old, his heart will be shared tonight with Rocknroll Eyes - a horse he owns and previously trained who'll also contest race six.

"I said this would be the first time in my life that I've actually barracked for the horse that I'm not training," Lucas said with a laugh.

"But I don't know if I would because I love both those horses, so I really don't know."

While Lucas will return home without Bernie Winkle in his float, he will get back Rocknroll Eyes, who has been trained by the Douglas' since May 2019. During that time, he has won eight races and taken his career prizemoney to in excess of $150,000.

Bernie Winkle's regular driver, Shane Smith has, been replaced by Daryl Douglas this evening, but will take the reins of Rocknroll Eyes for the second time in his career.

"It's probably more made for Bernie, because Rocknroll Eyes is tough and you've got to keep the pressure on and really the only way to beat Bernie is to walk up front," Lucas said.

"I've got no doubt the moment he gets an opportunity Shane will go around to the death, but all that really does is probably make it for Bernie. I'm not a punter, but if I was punting I'd back Bernie."

While he might be disappointed to lose the drive on Bernie Winkle, Lucas said Smith would become the regular partner of Rocknroll Eyes in the future.

Ozzie Battler has been with Lucas for his past three runs and will tonight race in the Tasco Petroleum Pace (2190m) before joining Bernie Winkle back at the Douglas yard.

This evening will be the first Mildura meeting since the removal of borders that limited participants to region-based racing, which was one of the measures introduced to combat COVID-19.

TALKING TROTS ON SENTRACK:

Join Jason Bonnington and Blake Redden from 11am to 1pm on SENTrack, which airs on 1593AM in Melbourne, 1539AM in Sydney, 657AM in Perth, 801AM in Gosford, 96.9FM in Ingham, 99.1FM in Atherton and 1575AM in Wollongong.

Click here to listen live and for links to download the SEN app.