Shane Graham, the reigning Australian harness racing driver of the year, is heading back to Perth again this Friday.
But the Queensland reinsman is set for something different.
Originally, Graham was hoping to drive the Ian Gurney trained Avonnova in the Gr.1 $300,000 Retravision Fremantle Cup at Gloucester Park but a career worst performance last week in the Village Kid Sprint has drastically changed plans.
Avonnova finished at the rear of the field, beaten over 25m behind boom four-year-old Beaudiene Boaz in the 1730m feature after racing without cover and therefore leaving his Perth campaign in jeopardy.
It has since been revealed that Avonnova is battling a viral infection and Gurney is hopeful his star prospect will be right to take his spot in next week’s Gr.1 $450,000 TABtouch WA Pacing Cup.
Mach Alert, a stablemate of Avonnova was nominated for the Fremantle Cup but was made the first emergency but will line-up in the Shop Audio & Visual at Retravision Pace, a consolation of some type for the Fremantle Cup.
So Graham was left without a drive in the main event.
But a chance phone call from the leading stables of Gary Hall has provided an opportunity for Graham to drive in the feature and will now partner emerging prospect Run Oneover.
“It’s very strange how the racing game works at times but you just have to roll with the punches and take your opportunities. The main mission with the Perth campaign was clearly Avonnova but things deviated quickly after last week and then we thought Mach had done enough to secure a start but it wasn’t to be and then a call out of the blue landed the drive in the Cup after all.” Graham explained.
While Graham is yet to drive for the Hall stable, he’s fully aware of the power the stable possesses and is excited by the opportunity.
Graham has been competing regularly at Gloucester Park in recent weeks owing to the Inter Dominion series and has watched Run Oneover with interest.
Regular reinsman Clint Hall has elected to stick with proven performer My Hard Copy in the 2536m classic.
“He’s definitely surprised a few people with his efforts in the age classics and he knocked me off last week in the Village Kid Sprint consolation and he did a really good job. He’s strong and he’s very fast so he’ll be thereabouts with normal luck.
“It was Clint who originally asked if I was interested in driving for the stable and I’ve since spoken with Gary and its all systems go for Friday night. The draw looks a little tricky on paper but the pressure is obvious so hopefully we can get a piece of the action.”
Team Hall has a total of six runners engaged in the Cup including Waylade (2), John Of Arc (3), Beaudiene Boaz (4), Run Oneover (6), Classic American (7) and My Hard Copy (9).
Fellow Queensland driver Lauren Jones will take the on Classic American for the stable.
Gary Hall has trained the winner of the Fremantle Cup on five occasions, twice with The Falcon Strike and three times with champion pacer Im Themightyquinn.
by Chris Barsby