A star-studded line up of Queenslanders will put their Inter Dominion and New Zealand Cup credentials on the line in an Open Pace (Race 6) at Redcliffe on Saturday night.
In what shapes as one of the best local events to be run at the track this season, ID18 aspirants Alleluia (36), Ohoka Punter (55) and Watch Pulp Fiction (85) will look to improve their positions in the order of entry.
The Dixon camp has also signaled its intentions to gain entry into the 2018 Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup with Alleluia, which sits just outside the top-15 after the latest round of rankings.
Racing Queensland Harness Strategy and Development Manager David Brick said Saturday night’s race highlighted the depth of talent that exists in Queensland.
“One of the great things about harness racing in Queensland is that we’re lucky enough to see our local stars step out on the track regularly at metropolitan and provincial meetings,” he said.
“Our horses continue to shine on the national stage and I’m sure industry participants here will be cheering on our local charges as they target the Inter Dominion in Melbourne and NZ Cup in Auckland,” he said.
Recently named Queensland Aged Pacer of the Year Bodhi Tree (1), and Albion Park HRC Horse of the Year, Glenferrie Hood (2) are also engaged in the 1780m event. Watch Pulp Fiction (7) has drawn inside the back-row with trainer Chantal Turpin locked in to take a rare drive.
2016 UBET Blacks A Fake winner Ohoka Punter will be looking to break through for his first Queensland win since returning from a stint in WA. Majestic Major will also be looking for a breakthrough win since he last saluted in May.
Racing Queensland form analyst Darren Clayton believes Glenferrie Hood (2) should be able to find the front from the good draw.
“He moves in to Gate 2 over the same trip (1780m) and looks to get an easy lead … from the front he can look to make it three on the bounce and six wins in his past eight starts,” Clayton said.
“Bodhi Tree will get the perfect run in transit. Watch Pulp Fiction will be locked away on the pegs but that’s not the worst place to be in this contest.
“Alleluia has no favours from this gate as he attempts to land just his second Redcliffe victory after claiming the 2015 Redcliffe Cup.”