NOG2001 Template
18 November, 2003
If you can handle a sulky and boast an A-grade drivers
licence it might be worth jumping on a plane for Melbourne this weekend.
With an unprecedented Victorian contingent tackling
the Ladyship Mile in Sydney, five of the state's leading six drivers will be
unable to compete at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
The nation's premier driver Kerryn Gath will be joined
by Chris Alford, Jodi Quinlan, Gavin Lang and John Caldow in an exodus for the
harbour city.
Bendigo's 59 year-old living legend Brian Gath (pictured),
currently second on the state premiership, will share top billing with
twenty-something young guns Daniel Jack, Todd Matthews and Grant Campbell.
Several trainers will also be breathing a sigh of
relief with the news that Daryl Douglas' appeal against an eight week
suspension was today adjourned until Friday by the HRV Appeals Panel.
Currently driving under a stay of proceedings, Douglas
will be able to fulfill commitments until Monday should his appeal fail.
Gath is in sterling form at present having driven four
winners at the past three metropolitan meetings.
His strong book on Friday night will include Harry
McCool in $25,000 Kenworth Spring Championship Cup and Rainbow Maid in the
$15,000 Chris Howe Trotters Cup.
Ex-South Australian junior
Kate Thompson is set to benefit from Kerryn Gath's absence picking up the drive
on several of the Andy Gath-trained runners, including heat winner True Cam in
the Spring Championship Cup.
