By David Gilbert
THE majority of us were pleased when the state border with Victoria was reopened last Tuesday week.
Among those not so ecstatic for it to happen – at least for an extra week – were the owners and trainers of two and three-year-old pacers in South Australia.
The heats of the annual Southern Cross series were held at Globe Derby Park last Saturday night and, with the border reopened, it opened the floodgates for the cream of the Victorian youngsters to come over and compete.
It probably did not help turnover on the Globe Derby meeting either as the Victorian pacers dominated their heats, with visiting trainers Geoff Webster and Emma Stewart winning six of the eight heats conducted, all at Winx-like odds.
The two heat winners from South Australia were trained by Paul Cavallaro and our own Alyce Finnis.
It turned out to be a South East quinella in heat one for the two-year-old colts and geldings, when the Finnis trained Art Jester ($2.40) upset the odds-on favourite Jawsoflincoln.
They were by far the two fancied pair in betting and the only two runners under double figure odds.
Driven by husband Jayson, Art Jester settled behind the leader (Jawsoflincoln) and used the sprint lane to advantage to score by 3.3 metres.
The other heat was won by the Webster-trained Cobber who recorded a mile rate of 1.58.6 with the Alyce Finnis trained Ever Hoping finishing third.
That second heat mile rate was almost a second quicker than Art Jester,and it means that Alyce Finnis will have two runners in the $50,000 final tomorrow night.
For Jayson Finnis, he has the dilemma of deciding which of the two pacers to hop into the sulky of, with Art Jester drawing the pole and Ever Hoping in gate five.
Over the years, South East trained pacers have had a tremendous record of winning finals of the Southern Cross series and it seems only Cobber will stand in the way of another scalp tomorrow night.
With the four $50,000 finals of the series all run tomorrow evening, all up the South East will have seven runners competing.
EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR NARACOORTE
IF the enthusiasm shown by newly elected Naracoorte racing club president Glen Hamlyn rubs off on his committee and the Naracoorte community, then exciting times are ahead for the club.
Hamlyn has burst on the scene like a breath of fresh air and he has plenty of plans and ideas as to how to move the club forward.
Catching up with him at the recent Naracoorte meeting was an exercise in itself as he was constantly on the move around the course talking to people.
Recently retired from a career as a stock agent, Hamlyn was on the racing club committee about 20 years ago but “decided to take a break and played golf”.
“I’ve been back on the committee for two years and, yes, I’m excited about the future as I’ve got some extra time on my hands now that I’m retired,” Hamlyn stated.
“I am keen to more-than double our membership in the next few years to around 500 and we already have some new sponsors on board.
“The young ones have told me they want change to our cup day meeting in early February and I’m prepared to listen to them and run with their ideas.
“Already, we have organised a young punter’s club plus a male and female running race will be run during the day.
“The new playground went up last Sunday and new fencing has also been erected at the entrance to the racecourse.”
Naracoorte’s next meeting is the annual family day fixture on Monday, December 27.
TIME FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
DECEMBER is the month for Christmas festivities to swing into action and two Limestone Coast racing clubs are ready to enjoy the festive season.
With Mount Gambier preparing for the return to racing in February, club officials are keen to have a get together in the lead up to Christmas.
Next Friday night (December 10), the Mount Gambier Racing Club is having a Christmas schnitzel meal in the upstairs dining room from 6pm.
It commences at 6pm and all are welcome.
Pre-bookings are required for catering purposes and can be made with the club (8725 4466).
Before that, the Millicent Racing Club will entertain guests for some Christmas frivolity this Sunday afternoon.
PROVINCIAL PICKINGS
STRATHALBYN has proved to be a happy hunting ground for two upper South East gallops trainers of late.
Western Flat trainer Sharon Hayes had success at the meeting there on November 17 when Free Hand ($6.50) resumed from a spell to take out the 1200-metre BM 56 handicap.
Then veteran Bordertown trainer Lindsay Cadzow was in the winner’s stall at the same venue last Sunday when Kilowatt ($5.50) was ridden a treat by Anna Jordsjo to win the 1600-metre BM 54 handicap.
On Wednesday at Gawler, Bronksi ($6.50) put up one of the toughest runs of his career to take out the 2121-metre BM 64 handicap.
Co-trainer Sue Janesch was full of praise for her staff at their Cadgee stables near Naracoorte.
“They were the ones who have done all the preparation with him and I have only had him at Murray Bridge for a couple of weeks,” she said.
“His aim now is the Bordertown Cup on Sunday week and then the Naracoorte Cup in February.”
With the border reopened, several local harness trainers headed to Hamilton last Monday to compete in Victoria for the first time in ages.
Local trainer Zac Pearson, currently domiciled in Terang, is in his first year of training and won his third race in 2021 – and first ever in Victoria – when Steele ($2.70 fav.) easily won the NR 51 pace over 1600 metres beating fellow locals Citysiren and Noosa Beach.
Pearson was not concerned when Steele surged to the lead with 400 metres to run by claiming driver Lochie Cook, stating “he has a good turn of speed and he was able to quickly put a gap on his rivals”.
That was Steele’s first win at start number four for the Pearson stable following two recent placings and the pacer is now in the hands of Steve Fennell here at the Mount.
DOUBLE HEADER TODAY
BOTH racing and pacing today with Penola gallops this afternoon and Mount Gambier trots tonight.
Eight races at Penola with the first at 1.05pm and the final event at 5.40pm.
Picaroon appeals as a good bet in race six while there is a street corner tip for the first starter Magicourt in the 1100-metre maiden.
The border may be open but it has not helped field numbers for the local pacing meeting with just three races tonight (fields below).
Two runs back from a spell should have Burning Hot ready to produce his best in the opening event.
