Boom pacer San Carlo is on trial for the Queensland harness racing winter carnival.
The outstanding Victorian gelding, fresh from his success last weekend at Bendigo, is being considered for the final leg of the 2016/17 Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season – the Gr.1 $200,000 UBET Blacks A Fake on July 15.
It’s the biggest event staged in Queensland, the 2680m mobile start feature takes place at Albion Park.
And co-trainers Steve O’Donoghue and Rebecca Bartley are very interested in dipping their toe in the water with their rising star.
A winner of 14 races from 16 starts, the Mach Three six-year-old gelding made a massive statement when he demoralised his rivals last Saturday night at Lords Paceway after sitting wide throughout before racing clear over the concluding stages.
San Carlo scored easily by 5m while rating 1:55.4 for the 2150m.
“That was a big step forward into making Brisbane a reality, he performed in such a great manner and Steve thinks the Blacks A Fake is a good target for him but he’s got to prove himself once more before any decision is made.” Bartley said.
And that next assignment comes up next Thursday (June 22).
San Carlo will start in the Leo Crameri at Maryborough, a race that has historically produced plenty of high quality performers.
The event will be staged over 2190m.
“That’s his next target and it’s likely he will meet plenty of classy rivals but it will also tell us if Brisbane is one or off. A victory will go a long way in making the northern trip a reality, Brisbane will be tough but it looks a good opportunity for him.
“I don’t think he shocked us in anyway last week because we’ve known for some time how good he really is but to do it in the manner in which he did was the best part. He was really strong.
“And that’s his best asset; he’s a very strong horse.”
O’Donoghue, the boss of Morley Park (of Classic Garry fame), believes San Carlo is the best horse he has worked with and rates him higher than Barclay Court (23 wins – $99k) and Triple Vance (20 wins – $182k).
San Carlo is raced by John Eichhorn.
Chris Barsby