It’s been 15 long years since champion reinsman Gavin Lang tasted success in one of Queensland’s biggest harness racing events.
It was the turn of the century when Lang guided star pacer Persistency to victory in the Winter Cup.
Plenty has changed since then, including the name of the race, renamed to honour the greatest champion of all time and proud Queenslander, Blacks A Fake.
The Winter Cup was a race that Blacks A Fake won three times during his illustrious career.
Now, Lang returns to partner exciting Victorian pacer Philadelphia Man in Saturday night’s Gr.1 $125,000 UBET Blacks A Fake for trainer Emma Stewart.
“I can’t wait to get back to Brisbane, the weather is obviously going to be a lot better than what we’re going through down here currently and a couple of big race victories would only top off the trip."
"I’ve got fond memories of the night Percy won the cup; it was a great carnival that year.” Lang said
Other key drives for Lang this weekend including brilliant rookie filly Heavens Trend in the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Final and top three-year-old filly Morton Plains who tackles the boys in the Gr.1 $150,000 Queensland Derby.
Philadelphia Man has drawn favourably in the open class feature and Lang believes there is plenty of upside heading into the 2680m staying contest.
The Art Major – My Liberty Belle gelding resumed with a solid front-running victory at TABCORP Park, Melton last Friday defeating quality performer Flaming Flutter in a mile rate of 1;56.6 for 2240m.
It was his first start since failing in the Gr.1 $400,000 Hunter Cup won by Arden Rooney back in February.
“He was quite good and I was happy with the way he performed, you can’t beat match practice so he will derive plenty of benefit from that hit-out. It’s a massive step-up this weekend taking on the likes of Smolda and Avonnova who are race fit and up and firing presently."
“He’s a very smart horse who takes care of himself; he is professional and goes about his work in a smart way."
"His campaign has been geared for this race and he’s doing everything right in lead-up so we’re confident of a forward showing."
“The draw is a big advantage and having the other two horses draw the second-line gives me some breathing room early."
"The distance won’t be any issue because Emma and Clayton (Tonkin – partner) always have them ready in the big races, he’s not there for a holiday.”
Heavens Trend will start at a short quote in the QBRED Triad Fillies Final following her devastating performances in the recent Breeders Challenge series at TABCORP Park, Menangle.
The Rock N Roll Heaven – Trend Setter filly rated a staggering 1;52.1 when successful in the semi-final before returning to win the Gr.1 Final in a time of 1;52.9.
“This filly is something else; she’s not overly big but she’s built like a tank and obviously has a motor to match that frame."
"Her attitude is unbelievable and takes everything in her stride, she just seems to do it so easily,” Lang said.
“She gave me a very good feel at the Ballarat trials last weekend; she ran a good last quarter and felt very comfortable."
"We’ve taken the same path with her for this race as what we did in lead-up to the Breeders Challenge, she’s ready.” he added.
Heavens Trend will start from gate seven, the outside of the front-line in the 1660m feature.
The Larry Eastman trained Morton Plains is on the back-up following her fast finishing second in last week’s Gr.1 Queensland Oaks behind star Kiwi filly Fight For Glory.
Lang has driven Morton Plain on two previous occasions.
Chris Barsby