HAVE Faith In Me is the dominant favourite to win Saturday night’s Chariots Of Fire and many expect him to etch his name onto the winners’ list that includes the name of some great New Zealand trained horses like Christen Me, Elsu and Holmes D G.
If the Mark Purdon trained gelding is successful he will become just the sixth favourite to win the event since the race was first run at Harold Park in 1995. Some talented horses including Grand Circuit performers have tasted defeat in the Chariots Of Fire including –
2012 Sushi Sushi finished 7th behind Caribbean Blaster but won a Bendigo Cup later in his career.
2011 For A Reason placed 6th behind Lanercost and went onto win a Victoria Cup after returning from a season at stud.
2009 Im Themightyquinn was second behind Maffioso but won a number of feature races later in his career including three Inter Dominions.
2002 Young Rufus was a raging hot favourite in the Chariots Of Fire but was defeated by Manifold Bay. Young Rufus returned to Australia to win a Victoria Cup and South Australia Cup.
2000 Shakamaker was upstaged by Lombo Rapida but went onto win a Victoria Cup after his defeat in the Chariots.
1996 Il Vicolo was beaten by Beefy T but went onto win a New Zealand Trotting Cup.
Favourites have fared better in recent years with Guaranteed winning as race favourite in 2014 and Christen Me dismantled his opposition the previous year when he sat on top of the betting market.
The last New Zealand trained beaten favourite was Foreal in 2006. Innocent Eyes proved too strong on that occasion. Will another Australian trained mare upstage the kiwi fancy this time around? Tune in and watch Saturday night’s Chariots Of Fire at 9:23pm on Sky Racing 1.
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To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Greg Hayes
Position: Media Manager
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: ghayes@hrnsw.com.au
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Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
