He’s won it before and he’s coming back to win it again.
Leading Sydney horseman Blake Fitzpatrick has targeted the Gr.2 $40,630 Egmont Park Stud Darrell Alexander Memorial Trotting Championship with his talented performer Blazing Under Fire.
Fitzpatrick trained My Valerie to win the 2015 version when handled by local reinsman Pete McMullen.
The DJA series, the biggest trotting event staged in the Sunshine State, starts this Friday at Albion Park with the first round of heats and continues the following week before the final is staged on December 16 – the final night of the Racing Queensland summer carnival.
“We’ve had this series on the radar for some time and his recent form warrants the trip north, he won well last start and he’s trained on well so we’re heading off tonight (Monday).” Fitzpatrick said.
Following his purchase from New Zealand a few months ago, the Washington VC entire has performed at a high standard which includes two victories from 9 starts.
Two starts ago, Blazing Under Fire was a runner-up behind his stablemate Mistercool Sea Eyre in the Gr.2 $33,600 Franco Australian Trotters Cup at TABCORP Park, Menangle.
Last start, Blazing Under Fire reversed the result on Mistercool Sea Eyre when comfortable sprinting past his stablemate in a sharp time of 1:59.5 for the 2300m stand start event.
“He was impressive winning last start and the time backs it up so I’m confident of a forward showing during the series up there.
“I like his versatility and that should hold him in good shape, obviously we’re going to require some luck or no bad luck going our way.
“We’re still learning about him and he’s still improving so I think he profiles well for this series, obviously there’s a number of Sydney trotters heading up which will make it difficult.”
Meanwhile, talented performer Our Dainty Lady has switched from the stables of Jarrod Alchin to the local stables of Darrel Graham in preparation for the series.
The proven Albion Park winner finished fourth behind Blazing Under Fire at her most recent start on November 18.
Our Dainty Lady has won 4 from 6 at Albion Park when previously prepared by Graham including a track record effort for 2647m (2:00.5) when starting from a 30m handicap.
The Pegasus Spur mare is a daughter of former champion mare Pride Of Petite (33 wins - $760k).
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | November 27