Derby Looms For Reed Pair
15 February, 2018
Harness
Trainer Mike Reed will ramp up his preparations for feature three-year-old races later this season, when Bechers Brook and Golden State tackle Friday night’s Caduceus Club Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
Bechers Brook, a full brother to Our Waikiki Beach, has finished in the top two at each of his last four starts, including a win over 2130m at Gloucester Park on January 19 from barrier one.
Reed said he wasn’t deterred by the colt’s last start second, and was blown away by how he worked last weekend.
“Last start when he was second, he was a little underdone,” he said.
“We have upped his work, put blinkers on him, and he worked as good as he ever has before.”
Bechers Brook and Golden State have drawn barrier four and five respectively on Friday night, and look set to be among the leading contenders for the $40,000 event, along with Miss Sangrial and Speed Man.
Reed said he leaned towards Bechers Brook over Golden State, but said there was plenty of improvement left in both of pacers.
“I think Bechers Brook is a good horse,” he said.
“I like Golden State, but I haven’t seen one work as good as Bechers Brook did.
“He hasn’t been overraced, and races like this and the WA Derby are what we have set him for.
“I think he will lead and be hard to beat on Friday.”
Golden State ensured he would be a contender for the Caduceus Club Classic with an effortless win over 2100m at Bunbury last Saturday, and Reed is hopeful Chris Lewis will be able to settle the colt close to the speed.
Shannon Suvaljko decided to stick with Bechers Brook for Friday night’s feature event, which allowed Lewis to pick up the drive on Golden State.
Meanwhile, Reed said stable stars Shandale and Maczaffair weren’t far away from making a return to the track.
Shandale missed the Fremantle and WA Pacing Cups, but Reed said the five-year-old would be back in work next week.
Reed said he also had high hopes for two-year-old Bletchley Park, a full brother to star pacer Bling It On.
“Bletchley Park ran home in 27.4 at the Byford trials,” he said.
“He’s a full brother to Bling It On, and he is one of the best young horses I have ever had.”
The Caduceus Club Classic gets underway at 8.40pm on Friday night, with Miss Sangrial and Bechers Brook joint $3.20 favourites.
Tim Walker