Champion trainer Gary Hall sen. has set harness racing punters a tricky task with four in-form three-year-olds contesting the $18,000 Sunrise On Seven Pace over 1730m at Gloucester Park on Friday night. A stable trifecta, or even a quartet, is a distinct possibility.
He is finding it difficult to separate Campora (barrier four), King Lebron (six), Harry Hoo (eight) and Chok Chai (nine). King Lebron (1.58.8), Harry Hoo (1.59.1) and Chok Chai (2.0.9) were all very easy winners at Bunbury last Saturday night. Campora has won only once (at Bunbury in January) from nine starts, but Hall has a high opinion of the gelding.
“King Lebron is probably my choice; he’s a good horse,” Hall said. “But I certainly wouldn’t write off Campora, who has the best draw, or Chok Chai.”
Gary Hall jun. has opted to drive Chok Chai, who was most impressive at Bunbury last Saturday night when he started from the No. 2 barrier, set the pace and sprinted over the final 400m in 27sec. to win by three lengths from Bettor Million.
At his previous start, over 2130m at Gloucester Park, Chok Chai was heavily supported when he led and dashed over the final 800m in 55.3sec. and was narrowly beaten by stablemate Mach Time. That followed his seven-length victory at Pinjarra when making his debut.
King Lebron, who will be handled by Clint Hall, was untroubled to set the pace from the No. 1 barrier when he sped over the final 800m in 55.8sec. to win by more than five lengths from See What Happens. Like Chok Chai, he will need a bit of luck from a wide barrier.
Oakford trainer Ross Olivieri will be hoping to spoil the Hall party by winning with El Hombre, who will start from the prized No. 1 barrier, which is a distinct advantage, particularly over the sprint trip. El Hombre, to be driven by Stuart McDonald, has been unplaced at his past three starts after winning at Gloucester Park and Bunbury at his two previous outings.
Ken Casellas