Our Luciano. Photo by Club Menangle
GUN horseman James Rattray will be looking for an improved showing from talented four-year-old Our Luciano at Menangle on Saturday night.
Regarded as one of his stable stars and widely regarded as a contender for the $2m TAB Eureka in a few weeks’ time, Our Luciano blotted his copybook with an unplaced effort at Menangle last weekend.
Rattray explained that he felt the son of American stallion Sweet Lou may have been a little too fresh as he galloped out of the mobile and lost all chance of contending, eventually finishing a distant last behind New Zealand visitor Pinseeker.
“He pulled up OK and has worked well this week and I expect him to run a nice race,” said Rattray.
“Fingers crossed he can get in some nice races in Qld and after that we could hopefully target the Eureka,” he said.
Rattray’s other stable stars are on the right track to make their mark in Queensland during the Inter Dominion carnival.
London To A Brick scored a decisive win last weekend and looks a serious threat in the Trotters Inter Dominion in Queensland.
“He’s been trotting really well this time in and we can’t wait to head north with him,” said Rattray.
Another talented pacer Nyack has been scratched a couple of times from Menangle meetings but is expected to figure prominently in Saturday night’s feature, the $30,600 Club Menangle Paul Fitzpatrick FFA.
He may need to be at his best to account for a strong field including Kingmaker, Horn Player and Michael Stanley’s talented pair Rock N Roll Doo and Ubetcha Tigerpie.
Nyack will come from gate eight after scratchings but Rattray is confident he’ll make his presence felt.
“He seems really good this week and he has a big month coming up and we’re happy with the way he is,” he said.
“I’m leaving a few here to race and Taylah Osmond will have plenty of work while I’m gone,” he said.
“Taylah has done a super job and I have all the faith in her to look after the team.”
Meanwhile Menangle punters will be doing their form much earlier in the week from July 7 with the regular Tuesday meetings moving to a Monday timeslot.
Club Menangle racing manager David Wonson explained that Harness Racing NSW felt there was an opportunity to race on a Monday and it will be trialled and reviewed after three months.
