Australia’s best three-year-old harness racing pacer Menin Gate is ready to go again.
The last start winner of the Group One $200,000 Victoria Derby at TABCORP Park, Melton on February 7 was sent straight to the paddock with connections bypassing the New South Wales Derby the following month.
Following his freshen-up, the strapping son of Somebeachsomewhere is set to trial this weekend.
Trainer Larry Eastman will venture to Maryborough on Sunday where his stable star will commence his latest campaign.
“He will trial this weekend," Eastman said. "He’s in very good order and everything looks good for a big campaign ahead. I actually rolled him after the trial session last weekend at Maryborough and he felt great, he’s very well within himself."
Menin Gate is being prepared for the Vicbred Super Series and a possible Queensland Derby campaign before ending the season with the Australasian Breeders Crown series.
The Vicbred Super Series Final is scheduled for July 4 at Melton.
Eastman is looking at Vicbred Super Series heat on May 22 at Ballarat.
“The Vicbred is the first priority for him this campaign," Eastman said. "The Queensland Derby is definitely on the radar because of two reasons, Lynette and I love going to Queensland and we have some very good friends up there, plus the prizemoney has been boosted greatly this year.
“In fact, the whole carnival up there has been bolstered and we were looking at the $100,000 Nursery Fly race, but it is scheduled for the same night as the Vicbred Final. If things don’t go plan with the Vicbred series, at least we have a back-up plan.
“The Queensland Derby is scheduled two weeks after the Vicbred series, so it fits in well. We’re planning on being there and we might even look at the Oaks with Morton Plains too because that prizemoney has also gone up.”
Menin Gate has amassed close to $200,000 in stakes to date after winning seven of his nine starts.
– CHRIS BARSBY