Raging Bull Can’t Be Tamed
2 February, 2018
Harness
Chicago Bull has delivered trainer Gary Hall Snr his eighth Lord Mayor’s Cup at Gloucester Park tonight, recording an effortless win in the Group 2 feature.
After finishing second to Soho Tribeca in the WA Pacing Cup last start, Chicago Bull was a red-hot favourite to win the $50,000 event, and his class prevailed as he defeated stablemate Ohoka Punter by 4m with Master Jackson a further 8.9m back in third.
Chicago Bull was given the perfect run in the lead by driver Gary Hall Jnr, running a lead time of 68.4, before flying home in a third quarter of 27.9 and a final quarter of 27.1.
Hall Snr, who trained his first Lord Mayor’s Cup in 1994 with Tricky Bey, said while it was pleasing to record the win tonight, he was still pondering what could have been in the Inter Dominion Final where the five-year-old finished second.
“It makes me wonder what would happen if some of those races were a bit more competitive,” he said.
“The Inter Dominion was a precession and he never got a run.”
With fierce rival Soho Tribeca in Melbourne contesting the Hunter Cup tomorrow night, Hall Snr resisted the temptation to take the gelding to Melton as well, but said it would be an option next year.
“A couple of the owners wanted to go but why would we go there and chase Lazarus for second place,” he said.
“Probably next year we will take him away I would think for the Hunter Cup and Victoria Cup.”
While it was Hall Snr’s eighth win in the race, it was just the second success for Hall Jnr in the event, his only previous victory was in 2007 with Live To Reign.
Hall Snr said he was not sure where Chicago Bull would line up next, but indicated he might have another start before heading to the spelling paddock, while he was pleased with the effort of Ohoka Punter.
Chicago Bull’s win continued a successful night for Hall Jnr, after he drove Tajies Girl, Ima Rocknroll Legend and Real Lucky to win earlier on the program.
Tim Walker