Shane Graham & Vicki Rasmassun; Chasing interstate riches with smart mare Low Velocity Photo by Corey Pearce
Young Queensland couple Shane Graham and Vicki Rasmussen are building up a great feature race collection.
And the couple have their eyes firmly fixed on the $50,000 Schweppes Renshaw Cup at Penrith tomorrow night with the high quality mare Low Velocity.
Despite carrying attractive prize money, the race is significant on so many levels.
Connections have targeted the Renshaw Cup as the final lead-up for the following week's Gr.1 $100,000 Cordina Chickens Ladyship Mile at Menangle on April 23.
The Ladyship Mile is invitation only and Low Velocity is yet to receive an official invitation from the New South Wales Harness Racing Club Directors.
“We tossed up whether to start in the Renshaw Cup or the Teeny Teeny the following night at Harold Park but opted for the Penrith feature for a couple of reasons” Graham stated.
“The stand start conditions suit this mare very well and we expected to gain a front row draw knowing that the other Queensland guns were heading this way, although this a harder assignment for her we felt this was a better option because a bad draw at Harold Park could have been a potential disaster plus the prize money is better” Graham added.
Graham is no stranger to the Renshaw Cup having started Lively Highlander in the event back in 2008 with mixed results.
“He wasn't the best horse to travel away with but we didn't know that until after that trip, this mare won't have any concerns settling into new conditions” Graham explained.
“I'm expecting a really forward showing from her tomorrow night, her recent form is very solid and she pleased me with a stand start trial victory last week at the Gold Coast” Graham added.
The former Victorian mare has proven to be a model of consistency since heading north boasting a fine record of 13 victories and 9 minor placings from 34 starts under the Graham/Rasmussen leadership.
Low Velocity finished a close third in last year's Redcliffe Cup beating home Atomic Ark before winning the Redcliffe Christmas Cup under the stand start conditions over the 2613m distance.
“We figure that if we finish top three in this calibre of race tomorrow night, that should hold us in high contention for an invitation depending on the Teeny Teeny result the following night” Graham said.
“Strong performances in these races will also add to her value as a future broodmare as she ranks as a half sister to Presidential Lane so we're hopeful that all will work out well” Graham added.
Meanwhile, the stable continue to be impressed with emerging filly Torque In Motion after she arrogantly won at Albion Park yesterday afternoon.
The 3yo P B Bullville filly scored easily over 2138m rating 2.00.3 whilst uncorking a sharp 27.9 second final quarter untouched.
Connections are firmly committed to the $85,000 Qbred Triad Final at Albion Park on May 8 as her next major target.
“I really like this filly, her improvement is really exciting us and we expect to race well in the Triad next month all things being well” Graham admitted.
Stable star Presidential Lane returns to racing this Friday night at the Gold Coast after two recent impressive trial efforts.
The extra smart Presidential Ball 4yo gelding has not started since finishing third in the Mount Eden Championship Final at Menangle on Miracle Mile day (November 29) behind Jukebox Music.
In the last twelve months, the young couple have collected trophies in the Gold Coast Derby, the Slipnslide, 4yo Breeders Classic plus the rich 2yo Qbred Triad Final among others.
