Ellalong trainer-driver Michael Formosa believes Rolling With Stell is a genuine chance of making the Group 1 $100,000 Gold Chalice final at Bathurst through harness racing heats on Monday.
Rolling With Stell has two second places at Newcastle this time in and was fifth in the Rowleyalla Sprint at Bathurst on Saturday night. He will back up in the three-year-old colts and gelding series from gate one in heat three where a top-three finish secures a spot in Friday night's decider.
"I reckon he has a place chance, especially if the favourite [First String] leads and we're able to get in behind it," Formosa said.
Barrett, for Singleton trainer Aaron Goadsby and Kiwi Mark Jones, is also in the heat.
Formosa won at Bathurst on Friday night when Si Si Senor took out heat four of the Honouree series.
Also Monday, Cessnock trainer Clayton Harmey has Choisir Damour in heat two of the Bracelet and Straddie in heat four of the Chalice. Bobs Farm's Geoff Harding has Roll With Lachlan in heat one of the Chalice. Keinbah trainer Roy Roots jnr has My Anna Rani nominated for heat one of the Bracelet but he said she was unlikely to race after a trackwork accident limited preparations.
Roots jnr was pleased to see The Black Prince back in the winners' circle at Newcastle on Saturday night. He was run down late to finish third at Newcastle at his previous start but came from behind to win by 1.6 metres this time around.
He said the stable star will return to Menangle racing before targeting the Renshaw Cup at Penrith next month.
"He drew bad and was a long way back but we had to be patient and drive for luck, and he just pulled through," Roots jnr said.
To see the full expanded program for Monday night click here
By Craig Kerry