13 January, 2003
With only 26 days to the start of
the 2003 Sky Channel Nights Of Glory trainers, drivers and owners on both sides
of the Tasman have their eyes firmly fixed on Australia?s premier harness
racing carnival.
In a big weekend of harness
racing several stars made their intentions quite clear with stellar
performances in feature races. Here?s just a glimpse?..
VHRC Cup (Moonee Valley,
Melbourne)
Lombo La Fe Fe (pictured)
showed that she?ll be one hard nut to crack in the Victoria Derby when she
handed a talented line-up a spanking in the traditional Derby lead-up. Spearing
to the lead from barrier seven she had little trouble bringing up her 18th
straight win with a slick 28.4 final quarter.
Graham Goffin Memorial
(Moonee Valley, Melbourne)
Grand mare Lombo Rapida proved that she could still be a Carlton
Draught Hunter Cup force with a fighting second to the highly-rated Lagoon
Lady. A veteran of the past two Inter Dominions the Jayne Davies trained stayer
had not been placed since winning the 2001 Victoria Cup Consolation, but her
gutsy performance has made a few sit up and take notice.
Youthful Stakes (Moonee Valley, Melbourne)
The Listed Premiere Stakes is
fast developing into an exciting breeding ground with nation?s premiere
juveniles chasing early season riches during the Sky Channel Nights Of Glory.
Expect undefeated youngsters Libra
Jaccka and Kathryn Dancer
to be hard to beat in the 15 February feature after their respective Youthful
Stakes triumphs on Saturday night.
Simpson Sprint (Harold Park, Sydney)
Pint-sized warrior Kadoopyand blueblood Camlach both booked tickets into
the Victoria Derby heats on 8 February with a one-two finish in the Listed 3YO feature
on Friday night. One of the smallest standardbreds to grace the track, Kadoopy,
who?ll no doubt boast a cult following in Melbourne, proved his little frame
packs a lot of power leading throughout in quick time. Both he and Camlach, who?ll
be much fitter for his first-up assignment, will spearhead a strong New South
Wales invasion.
South Australian Cup (Globe Derby, Adelaide)
Double Identity tasted Grand Circuit glory yet again,
ensuring he?d head the Aussies into battle against Young Rufus and the raiders
from the Shaky Isles in the $250,000 Victoria Cup on 8 February. Shakamaker kept his name
prominently amongst contenders for the mobile championship of Australia with a
gallant second, while defending champ Jofess
faded to finish fifth, but will live to fight another day.
South Australian Derby (Globe Derby, Adelaide)
Boom colt Dee Dees Dream was humbled for the first time this season in
the Derby, but for from disgraced after a gut-buster from a horror alley.? With the Andy Gath-trained Franco Sequel leading in a
Victorian quartet of Jaccka Lon (second), Dee Dees Dream (third) and Safari
(fourth), the locals are well poised to retain Australia?s oldest blue riband
classic for the first time since Blueagle triumphed in 1995 come 15 February.
Fremantle Pacing Cup (Gloucester Park, Perth)
Herculean performances from
eventual winner Baltic Eagle
and third placegetter Highest Honour
signalled their arrivals as serious Carlton Draught Hunter Cup contenders. Western
Australian pacers have a healthy record in the World?s richest handicap event
and this duo, along with runner-up Sokys
Raider, who?ll be much fitter for a worthy first-up performance, are
set to fly the flag proudly for the Sandgropers.
National Heart Foundation Stakes (Gloucester Park, Perth)
Gun Victorian raider Manifold Baysent shivers
through the locals on the eve of the WA Cup with an effortless victory in Free
For All company. A perfect front-running drive from the Hall Of Famer Fred
Kersley returned the rising superstar to the winners circle and saw the stocks
soar for a hometown victory in the Group 1 Victoria Cup.
Waikato Flying Mile (New Zealand)
Young Rufus confirmed his standing as the undisputed captain
of the Kiwi raiders with a breathtaking 1:54.8 win in the Flying Mile. Trainer
Mark Purdon has pencilled in a 3 February arrival for an all-out assault on the
Victoria & Hunter Cup double. Rejuvenated veteran Facta Non Verba all but stole the event leading from the
pole. The effort enough to convince connections he too will take his place
trackside for the Sky Channel Nights Of Glory. Unplaced runners Pocket Me, Rare Gem and Falcon
Rise are all likely to cross the Tasman during the coming month.
Crombie Lockwood Gordon Flying Stakes (New Zealand)
Only a neck separated confirmed
trotting raiders Martina Hand Frugal Echo at the
end of the 1700 metre scamper, the former enjoying the slender advantage in a slick
1:59.8 mile. The duo, who both boast Moonee Valley experience, will renew
acquaintances with boom countryman Sonofthedon
in the prestigious Dullard Cup on night one ? 8 February.
