Eight heats of the Alabar Breeders Challenge for two year olds have been conducted across New South Wales. The four winners of the colts and gelding heats were:
Bullet Stride – (Major In Art x Exotic Stride) Trainer Belinda McCarthy, Driver Todd McCarthy
Awesome Stride – (Art Major x Labretta Franco) Trainer Belinda McCarthy, Driver Todd McCarthy
Paternity Suit – (Rock N Roll Heaven x Rekindled Flame) Trainer/Driver Steve Maguire
Maxentius – (Mach Three x Eutropia) Trainer/Driver Blake Fitzpatrick
The four winners of the heats for the fillies were:
Im With Lexy (Roll With Joe x Lexys Laughing) Trainer Bernie Hewitt, Driver Robbie Morris
Shez Sugarsweet (Somebeachsomewhere x River Valley Romance) Trainer/Driver Blake Fitzpatrick
Dont Think Twice (Armbro Operative x Nikalong Boulevard) Trainer/Driver Jason Grimson
Rocknroll Emma (Rocknroll Hanover x Maristella) Trainer/Driver Michael Formosa
Another round of heats will be conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday May 31 with the two year olds attempting to qualify for the Alabar NSW Breeders Challenge Semi Finals. In an attempt to clarify the situation, HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny has again stated there will be twelve runners in the semi finals and final.
“There has been some confusion however it is important for all stakeholders to understand there will be twelve runners and a further two emergencies drawn in the Alabar Breeders Challenge heats (if applicable), semi finals and final for two year olds,” Mr Dumesny said.
“A new two year old policy has been adopted and from the start of January a maximum of ten runners (and reserves) will be drawn in two year old races across New South Wales. As it stands there will be twelve two year olds drawn in fields where applicable for the remainder of this season”
The three year old Breeders Challenge heats begin this week and Mr Dumesny is excited by the upcoming racing.
“The Alabar Breeders Challenge Final Day will be a great afternoon of racing on Sunday June 26 and I’m hoping the weather is as good this year as it was last year.
“There is a lot of talent spread amongst the different age groups and divisions so the next month of racing will see the best NSW has to offer, compete for some great prize money.”
Greg Hayes