The 2012 edition of the time honoured, Decron Hoof Care Tontine Series draws to a close at Ballarat on Saturday night and the stage is set for fierce contests for both the Pacing and Trotting crowns.
The $30,000 Group Pacers Final looks a three way contest at first glance but like today’s political climate it may pay to keep a watch for the unexpected.
Cullen Bromac, Tentolife and Galleons Prospect come into tomorrow’s prestigious event with outstanding recent form and waiting in the wings are a number of handy performers such as Bad Cat, Brutus Smith, Saint Flash and Dodge The Bullet, with each well primed to take full advantage of any hiccup from the leading players.
Cullen Bromac warmed up for the Tontine series with a couple of pipe-opening victories in restricted company at Melton & Shepparton. He was ultra-impressive leading from go to whoa to score in his heat at Horsham and equally so with his tough, death-seating semi final win, last week at Geelong.
The Keith Cotchin / Jodie Quinlan combo has their versatile son of Christian Cullen low flying at present, and regardless of how the Tontine action plays he’s he sort of horse that can make his own luck.
Tentolife led all the way to win his Tontine heat at Horsham, a fortnight after capturing the $30,000 Central Vic. Championship Final at Charlton.
And the 5yo son of Life Sign lost no admirers with his close up 3rd behind Galleons Prospect at Geelong, making up plenty of ground out wide, in slick sectionals.
Regular driver Nathan Jack is back in the cart to partner Tentolife and has a great understanding of his charge.
It’s no secret that the Emma Stewart camp have a big opinion of Galleons Prospect, as do harness fans who witnessed his monster 2nd placing in the Central Vic. Final and last Saturday’s strong staying performance to score in the Tontine semi.
Galleon’s Prospect has drawn the inside of the second line, around sprint-lane-free Bray Raceway but Chris Alford is driving in such superb form that he’s certain to find a clear passage for the son of Elsu, just when it counts most.
The winner will join the illustrious Tontine Pacer’s Honour Roll which includes Keystone Lucy, Rain Boy, Lombo Rapida, Jubilee Ball and last year’s winner Seefeel Pocket.
The $20,000 Decron Hoof Care Tontine Trotters Final looks a wide open affair with a number of classy squaregaiters staking their claim in the heats at Terang and Stawell.
Bargain Basement took out the Tontine Final at Ararat last season and returned to racing after an absence of nearly four months with an impressive heat victory at Terang.
With the benefit of that run under his belt and another two weeks on the training track the 6yo son of Sundon should be awfully hard to beat in the Final.
Enjoy A Coldie trotted faultlessly to win his heat at Stawell and is poised to enjoy a sweet trip in the Final given his manners and the coveted pole position.
Living Bonus has enjoyed a marvellous season to date with 4 wins and 2 minors from 6 outings, including a sterling victory in the Central Vic. Trotters Final.
His supporters may have been a little disappointed with second placing behind Enjoy A Coldie at Stawell but the son of Village Jasper is certain to have improved with that run.
Tontine series sponsor Merv Butterworth (Decron Hoof Care) has two live chances racing out of the Peter Manning stable, in Saturday’s Final and he would be tickled pink to be on the receiving end at presentation time.
The pair of former Kiwi mares, Easton Quickfeet which saluted at Stawell after a 2nd placing at her Aussie debut and Knapdale Girl which shows plenty of ability along with just as many issues are both capable of toppling the more fancied runners.
Throw in talented performers like Chateau Deville, Donkiri, Stephen John Another Clare and the Susan Hunter trained wildcard, Lightning Joy and the winner will truly earn the right to join Noopy Kiosk, Melpark Sunrise, Acacia Ridge and Armed Guard on the Tontine Trotters honour roll.
