The Southern Cross Series Final is looming. This wonderful series for our young, up and coming horses creates much interest. To be sure, there are many here among us who regard the Southern Cross Series as the most important event on the SA Harness Racing calendar.
Local owners, trainers and breeders are buoyant at this time of the year. The Southern Cross Series gives SA Harness Racing devotees the chance to pick up considerable prizemoney. Every young horse worth its salt here in SA is aimed at the Southern Cross Series.
As well as the SA contingent, there are also those who come from interstate (provided they are eligible). The prizemonies on offer for this time honoured series are well worth the trip.
The Southern Cross Series 2013 commenced on Friday May 17th, at Betezy Globe Derby Park.
2YO heats were conducted for colts/geldings and fillies. All 2YO heats were run over 1800m.
The first heat for the 2YO colts and geldings was won by Major Secret. Major Secret comes from one of the strongest families in the stud book. He is by the all-conquering Art Major, out of the Safely Kept mare, Secret Life. Secret Life has had 5 foals for 5 winners. She is out of the Classic Garry mare Lifeline (dam of 5 winners). Lifeline is out of former brood mare of the year, Larrakeyah Lady (dam of 9 winners including former champion pacer Safe And Sound). Major Secret is trained by Emma Stewart and was driven by David Harding. He ran excellent sectionals and if he can repeat that form he will be one of the major contenders in the final.
The second heat for colts/geldings was taken out by Major Cruiser. Major Cruiser is by Major In Art. Major In Art is a son of Art Major. Major Cruiser is trained by Des Glynn and he was driven by Mark Billinger. The dam of Major Cruiser is Sancere. Sancere is by Life Sign out of New Arrival (dam of 9 winners including former champion pacer It Is I).
Major Cruiser also ran very impressive sectionals and he is another who will certainly be a force to be reckoned with when the whips are cracking in the final.
Willy Listen, trained by Joe Carbone and driven by Mark Billinger won heat three for the 2YO colts/geldings. This handy little fella was well fancied in his heat and he didn’t let his followers down. He speared out from gate one and was in control of the race from the get go. Willy Listen is by the Matts Scooter sire, Royal Mattjesty, out of Pretty Ball Gown (by Presidential Ball). Pretty Ball Gown has 2 winners to her credit. She was bred and is owned by the Cormack family who are based here in SA.
