Mister Smartee winning the Nullabor
THE stars of WA pacing collide again sooner than expected at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The Howard Porter Memorial free-for-all (2536m) has attracted a small but select field, headed by Mister Smartie, Minstrel, Magnificent Storm and Gee Heza Sport.
Mister Smartie and Minstrel haven’t raced since locking horns in the Nullarbor and Fremantle Cup in April/May.
Mister Smartee won both features with Minstrel third in the Nullabor and second in the Fremantle Cup.
The barrier draw and recent race fitness gives old marvel Magnificent Storm a huge edge from the pole on Friday night. Minstrel has gate three, Gee Heza Sport four and Mister Smartie five.
Co-trainer Greg Bond said his pair Minstrel and Gee Heza Sport had the tasks ahead given the draws.
“It’s Magnificent Storm’s race to lose now,” he said.
Bond’s pair also remain in nominations for the iconic IRT NZ Trotting Cup on November 11 in Christchurch.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, have a runner in the Cup, and they’re still both part-owned in NZ,” he said.
“It’s an option we’re keeping open and can decide closer to it.
“A lot would depend on the date of the flight taking the gallopers from Sydney to Perth for the big races.
“If that’s November 17, we’d have time after the Cup (November 11) to get back to Sydney and jump on that one.
“If it’s November 14, that would be too soon.
“Minstrel is the key. He’s obviously got his maintenance issues, but seems great at the moment.
“Gee Heza Sport would only go if Minstrel did.”
Bond said his star mare Aardiebytheseaside also faced a big task from an outside draw (gate nine) when she returns to racing on Friday night at Gloucester Park.
“She’s been ticking along at home and needs a run, but it’ll be this run and then I’ll let up on her again with a view to the feature races in November.
“We’re going to get her in foal to Always B Miki and flush the embryo and then get back firing for those November races.”
