Harness racing trainer Paul Hill is on the verge of making a clean sweep of the feature two-year-old races in Hobart on Sunday week.
Hill will be represented by Hillview Jake in the colts’ and geldings’ division of the $20,000 Sweepstakes series, with the freshman likely to start favourite if he draws the front line.
Hill will also have two genuine winning chances in the fillies’ Final in Chica Bella and Scorchin Safari.
Chica Bella scored an effortless heat win last Sunday night, with Scorchin Safari finishing third behind her stablemate.
“I am excited about both the Finals because Hillview Jake is going extra well and Chica Bella was also impressive in winning her past two starts,” Hill said.
“Scorchin Safari is a big girl, and will obviously be better as a three-year-old, but depending on where she draws she is capable of winning the Final.
“Chica Bela has improved at every start, and if she draws favourably then she is my best winning chance, but it will be an open race.”
Chica Bella has started five times for three wins and two placings, while Scorchin Safari has four placings from her four starts.
During her recent victory Chica Bella raced outside of leader Shesastandout, while Scorchin Safari settled three-back along the pegs.
Responding to Ricky Duggan’s hard driving, Chica Bella completed a strong two-and-a-half metre win from Shadow Blue, with Scorchin Safari three metres away third.
With the final 800 metres run in 61.5 seconds, the daughter of Cardmaster Hanover covered the mile in a modest 2:02.6.
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PETER STAPLES