With the Australasian Breeders Crown finals looming large on Sunday at Tabcorp Park Melton, we here at Harnesslink thought we would preview the finals.
This preview is of the $84,000 two year old colts and geldings trotters final.
1) Conon Bridge (Raffaello Ambrosia) Starts 8 – Wins 5 – Seconds 0 – Thirds 1 – Stakes $63,072
Looked to be the horse to beat in this division before the draw came out and now it really looks like the final is his race to lose.
Was off the unruly earlier this season but hasn't put a foot wrong off the gate since being back in the draw so it shouldn't be an issue here.
Seems to have a clear margin on his opposition and barring the unexpected should win.
2) Charlie Runkle (Angus Hall) Starts 6 – Wins 2 – Seconds 1 – Thirds 1 – Stakes $37,158
Started the season with a hiss and a roar but last couple of runs have been just okay.
However they have both been at Maryborough so maybe back to Tabcorp Park we might see the real Charlie Runkle.
From the draw is a must include for trifecta and first four players.
3) Cruisin Around (Bacardi Lindy) Starts 8 – Wins 3 – Seconds 2 – Thirds 1 – Stakes $32,772
Has been thereabouts all season, running in the money in six of his eight lifetime starts.
Has faced all of these here and been very competitive against them so from the handy draw he is a must include for all trifecta and first four players.
4) Cyclone Chief ( The Pres) Starts 9 – Wins 2 – Seconds 2 – Thirds 2 – Stakes $20,497
Has continued to go from strength to strength since his huge run for fourth in the Harness Jewels.
Super run for second to the very smart Isa Smiling at Cambridge last week over the distance of Sundays final and in quick time to boot.
Must include for trifecta and first four takers.
5) Greg The Great (Great Success) Starts 3 – Wins 0 – Seconds 0 – Thirds 0 – Stakes $690
Has failed to impress in three starts to date.
Hard to see him having any chance here.
Not for us.
6) War Dan Destroyer (Majestic Son) Starts 8 – Wins 2 – Seconds 1 – Thirds 3 – Stakes $12,440
Started the season in great fashion but doesn't seem to have kicked on with it just lately.
The draw of six only compounds his problems so hard to see him being a major player here.
Outside first four hope at best.
7) Imahe Man (Aldebaran Yankee) Strats 8 – Wins 1 – Seconds 1 – Thirds 0 – Stakes $7478
Started very slowly but has really stepped up in his last three runs which makes the draw a big disappointment.
Hard to see how he can be a major player from out there at barrier seven.
Not for us.
SECOND LINE
8) Sundons Courage (Sundon) Starts 10 – Wins 5 – Seconds 1 – Thirds 2 – Stakes $61,798
Has had a great season to date and drawn to have a chance of ending it on a high.
The big question is can he hold Conon Bridge's back early as he can really leave the gate and Sundon's Courage is okay without being real quick.
If he does hold the leaders back, he is the biggest danger to the favourite.
Must include for all trifecta and first four takers.
9) Skyflyer (Skyvalley) Starts 9 – Wins 0 – Seconds 3 – Thirds 2 – Stakes $19,333
His performances have varied during the season but at his best he would be a player here.
It will depend on which Skyflyer shows up but no doubting the ability.
First four player for us.
10) Sun Valley Road ( Skyvalley) Starts 4 – Wins 0 – Seconds 0 – Thirds 0 – Stakes $593
Has yet to show anything that would suggest he is a chance here.
Not for us.
11) Flash Angus (Angus Hall) Starts 2 – Wins 0 – Seconds 0 – Thirds 0 – Stakes $300 (Emerg 1)
Another starter who at this stage of his career looks heavily outclassed.
Not for us.
12) Hudson Bay (Angus Hall) Starts 9 – Wins 2 – Seconds 2 – Thirds 2 – Stakes $16,495
Quite a nice trotter in the making but the draw of four second line makes his job very hard.
Is going to have to give a lot of nice trotters a start from there and it may just be too big an ask.
Outside first four player at best from the draw.
13) Variance (Armbro Variable) Starts 3 – Wins 0 – Seconds 0 – Thirds 0 – Stakes $415
Another starter who has done little to inspire confidence with his three lifetime runs todate.
Not for us.
SELECTIONS
From the draw and with his gate speed, Conon Bridge looks very hard to beat.
Distance will suit so he is a clear first pick
Sundons Courage is a clear second pick on both form and his draw.
After those two Charlie Runkle, Cruisin Around and Cyclone Chief appear the next best
Throw in Skyflyer for first fours.
Harnesslink