Switch: Brigadier Bronski is now in the stables of Vicki Rasmussen and Shane Graham Photo by Corey Pearce
The last time Shane Graham ventured to TABCORP Park, Melton, he came up agonisingly short.
That was back in 2010 when he was a runner-up in the Gr.1 $75,000 Australian Oaks with Torque In Motion behind the freakishly talented Kiwi filly De Lovely.
Torque In Motion led most of the way in that feature event before being gunned down late by De Lovely in what was a thrilling contest.
This Friday night, Graham returns to Melton.
And that Trans-Tasman rivalry looks set to continue.
The Brisbane based horseman will continue his association with the regally bred colt Admiral Bronski for his owner/breeder and trainer Stuart Hunter when he contests the second semi-final of the rich Australian Pacing Gold for two-year-old colts and geldings.
Connections are hoping to qualify for the $322,000 final the following week but standing in their way is a bunch of ultra-talented and slick rookie pacers.
Master Kiwi horseman Mark Purdon is represented by the unbeaten Kept Under Wraps, astute trainer Geoff Webster has openly stated that his pacer Mach Doro is the best that he’s prepared while the vibe on the Emma Stewart trained Ideal For Real runs deep.
“It appears to be a very strong series but you would expect that given the prizemoney on offer the following week. There is obvious talent scattered amongst our race but this colt deserves his chance because he’s raced well to date.” Graham said.
The Art Major – Bronski Gorgeous colt was beaten in the Brisbane heat on April 8 behind Major Montana but headed south boasting confidence following his comfortable victory at Albion Park last week.
An obvious hurdle for Graham is the barrier draw with Admiral Bronski starting from the outside of the front-line in the 1720m event.
“The draw certainly makes his task a little tricky, in particular when the big name pacers drew to our inside over the sprint trip. I’ll be doing my homework and looking for the best trip to give him; our main prerogative is to qualify for the final.
“Obviously the two unbeaten youngsters (Kept Under Wraps & Mach Doro) deserve all the focus because they both look very talented and natural, both performed very well in their respective heats.
“My colt is well experienced and has always performed every time he’s stepped onto a track, he’s still learning but he’s picking it up quickly and I expect another forward showing.”
Meanwhile, Brigadier Bronski has joined the stables of Vicki Rasmussen and Shane Graham following his victory at Albion Park last weekend.
The older full brother of Admiral Bronski has raced in super form this season and even qualified for the Gr.1 $200,000 Chariots of Fire in Sydney last month when eighth behind Guaranteed in record time.
Brigadier Bronski has been given a quiet week before being set for the upcoming Brisbane Winter Carnival at Albion Park.
