Lombo Cloud Nine won a similar race at HQ back in December.
She may have been described as an “opportunist” by her patient trainer – but that is the exact circumstances that present themselves Friday night at Tabcorp Park Melton for the bonny little mare Lombo Cloud Nine.
Drawn behind early speedster Blazeaway Macray, there is every chance that Larry Eastman’s daughter of Northern Luck will enjoy a soft pegline run, much in the same vein as her narrow second to Broadways Best last month.
With her conqueror on that night draw the car park, the chance to turn the tables in the Harness Breeders Vic Jane Ellen looks more than feasible.
“For this little mare the draw is just ideal. I’d be surprised if Blazeaway Macray didn’t hold the top so we should get a nice little trip just sitting in behind them,” Eastman said.
“Chris (Alford, driver) may have pulled the wrong rein last time but that happens. She’s better driven cold rather than making her own way, I guess he was hoping something would pull out in front of him but that didn’t eventuate.”
Earning a cheque in all bar one of her eight starts this time in, the consistent mare is yet to claim victory since a win in December last year.
Lombo Cloud Nine may not be the next start of the sport, but she does have something intangible according to Eastman, she tries hard and can capitalise on the right situation.
“She’s just a capable little mare with a great turn of foot. I guess she falls into the category of an opportunist now that she’s up in grade but having said that there are a lot in a similar boat,” he said.
“She’s only a light little mare but we race her sparingly but it will be terrific if we can get another season out of her before she goes to stud.”
Lombo Cloud Nine has been marked a $7.50 chance by HRV form expert Jason Bonnington with Broadways Best ($3.50) the nominal favourite from Blazeaway Macray ($4) and also Bettor Give It ($5.50)
Broadways Best was narrowly defeated in the race last year by Blucolla Tigerpie at $50 on the tote but she gets the chance to redeem herself coming off two wins from her last three attempts.
The Harness Breeders Vic Jane Ellen is Race 5 on the program and is scheduled to run at 8.42pm.
