Sprinter Set To Go Distance
31 March, 2016
Harness
Classy pacer Sprinter is on track to record another feature race win in Friday night’s Western Gateway Pace at Gloucester Park (2536m).
Last year’s Golden Slipper winner resumes will have his first run in just over a month in the Group 3 event, after he finished a game fifth to Our Waikiki Beach in the New South Wales Derby on Miracle Mile day.
Sprinter, a winner at 10 of 16 starts, steps out to the 2536m trip for the first time, but driver Nathan Turvey told TABRadio the horse was in good order for the staying test.
“I think the horse is as good as anything else in the race,” he said.
“When I spoke to Gary last weekend, he was really happy with him.
“They did get stuck in Melbourne for a couple of weeks longer than they would have liked, and he hasn’t had a lead up run into this, but he’s pretty fit and the inside draw helps.”
Sprinter has drawn the pole for the $50,000 feature, and Turvey said a final chat with trainer Gary Elson would determine whether he sends the gelding to the front.
A strong line up has been assembled for the event, with last week’s WA Derby Prelude first and second placegetters Chicago Bull and Can’t Refuse both drawn on the front row.
Gary Hall Junior, who has the drive on Chicago Bull, said the longer trip would help the three-year-old overcome a difficult draw.
“The draw wasn’t too favourable to us,” he said.
“2500 metres probably helps us a little bit.”
Tim Walker