Astute mentors Kerryann Turner and Robbie Morris left the harness racing trials at Menangle yesterday absolutely thrilled (Tuesday).
Their stable stars Aztec Bromac and Iam Mr Brightside both pleased in public trials and proved conclusively that a Queensland winter carnival campaign is on target.
The Menangle based couple are currently enjoying another hugely successful season, they’re just shy of 100 winners with several months still remaining before seasons end.
A Brisbane campaign was divulged following their most recent efforts where both pacers contested Group 1 events on March 1, Inter Dominion Grand Final day.
“We gave both boys a freshen-up following their most recent efforts and both have returned in very good order, if anything, Aztec must just be a little further advanced in comparison to Brightside but he is a year younger.” Morris said.
Aztec Bromac hasn’t started since contesting the Gr.1 $200,000 New South Wales Derby won by Victorian colt Ideal For Real while Iam Mr Brightside contested the Gr.1 $200,000 Chariots Of Fire won by New Zealand star Sky Major.
The Queensland winter carnival features several targets for Aztec Bromac including all Derby features (Queensland, Redcliffe & Gold Coast) plus the inaugural running of the Gr.1 $100,000 Nursery Fly.
Yesterday, Aztec Bromac chased home former North American pacer Johny Rock in a time of 1;53.8 for the 1609m hit-out.
“He went really well and it proved he’s come back in very good order, he can go straight into a race following that trial and we’ll look for something within the next fortnight to start his campaign.
“The Redcliffe Derby takes place on June 5 and I’m pretty sure we’ll be heading up for that race and then we’ll just concentrate on all the other features thereafter, he’s got so much he’s eligible for up there and the prizemoney is very attractive.
“He’s proven that he’s a classy horse with a good future, he proved that he’s competitive against the best colts going around and this campaign fits in really well. His speed is his best asset and he’ll prove tough to beat in anything he contests.”
Iam Mr Brightside finished fourth in his 1609m trial won by classy mare Ocean Diva in a time of 1;58.1 but was never extended at any stage up the home straight.
Obvious targets during his Brisbane campaign include the Gr.2 $50,000 4yo Championship and the Gr.2 $50,000 4 & 5yo Championships in July.
“He went well and it was a really nice start point for him, being a year older he’ll probably take a bit more work compared to Aztec but I was happy with the way he felt up the lane.
“He’ll trial again before we look at a race return for him, he had a good blow after the trial but he’ll tighten up pretty quickly following that hit-out. His next trial will be more serious and that will give us a good guide.
“He’s a high quality pacer that always performs at a high level; he’s no stranger to Brisbane after racing there last season against Bling It On in the Nursery Pace Final. This carnival has some really nice options for him.”
Turner is ranked third in the state premiership behind Shane Tritton and Steve Turnbull while Morris is currently fifth in the state driver’s premiership which is led by Lauren Panella.
Chris Barsby – Racing Queensland