Fairfield's signature race the JD Watts Memorial celebrates a special milestone on Monday afternoon. The celebrated event turns 40 and the club has planned another big harness racing meeting and a big crowd is expected on track.
Trainer Paul Fitzpatrick has had great success in the JD Watts Memorial having won it five times in the past 16 years and the stable is hoping to continue the recent domination with underrated pacer No Ah Saint this year. The son of Riverboat King has won $231,000 in his career and driver Gavin Fitzpatrick is confident he will handle the standing start conditions.
"We only recently qualified No Ah Saint from the stand last week, he stepped away reasonably well and we have been giving him a lot of practice at home," Fitzpatrick said.
"To be completely honest he is struggling to find his old form since his spell but he returned from his break very fat and it has taken a couple of runs to tighten him up. His work at home since his last run has been a lot better and I'm expecting a better performance from him this week."
The distance of 2533 metres should suit No Ah Saint with Fitzpatrick confirming his runs over the 2300 metres at Tabcorp Park Menangle have been his best.
"He loves the 2300 metres so he should be even more at home over the 2533 on Monday afternoon. If he managed to step to the front on Monday I would be happy to hold the lead because he has run his better races from in front or outside the leader."
"The half mile track is not a concern for No Ah Saint either, he handles the tighter tracks comfortably so there are a few factors in his favour on Monday."
Gavin Fitzpatrick has driven three of his father's five winners in the JD Watts Memorial. Gavin drove Bills Bingo to win the race in 2002 and won the race twice with Duel Prince in 2004 and 2005.
"I can clearly remember Bills Bingo winning the race in 2002. We led and I felt him go rough down the back straight but to his credit he fought on and broke the track record. After the event it was found he had broken down during the run but his determination got him home over the line.
"Duel Prince's win off a 20 metre handicap was brilliant, I think he broke Bills Bingo's record actually but he won the race with ease. He was a very nice horse."
Monday afternoon's JD Watts Memorial is race seven and is due to start at 3:40pm.
Greg Hayes