Belfast, IE – Harness racing resumes at Racetime Raceway in Lisburn this Saturday where the Alex Patterson Senior Memorial Cup provides the main highlight of the afternoon. Featuring two heats of six and one heat of eight runners the winners and runners-up will go forward to a grand final with added money generously sponsored by the Patterson family.
In the opening heat Peter Lyttles Rio Bravo is favoured to come on from her first start where she finished an unlucky third. Out of Klondyke Girl the mare is selected to hold off Kiki Express and last time out winner Oakwood Maverick.
The penultimate heat sees 4 of the six runners making their Racetime debuts. Little is know about Micks Magic Trick whilst Waverley Jane, Ladyford Jim and Springhill Bilzer have been doing their racing across the water at York and Corbie Wood respectively. These are joined by the consistent Tom Wood and veteran Pandercrombie but they will have it all to do to beat Ladyford Jim who looks like the most likely winner on paper.
The remaining heat with eight going to post looks equally as competitive with renowned front runner Valentine Camden likely to lead them a merry dance from the outset. Ceiron DJ On Top Blackshark and Derrybeg will be all out to upset Valentine Camden whilst John Barley and Frisco Hold Up will be doing their best work at the end. Monugs Boy is another not out of the equation however the fastest horse in the line-up Vyrnwy Saddlepan is chosen to sprint past them all in the home straight to land the spoils.
A square trot will also be held on the day and with only 4 facing the starter itās a case of quality not quantity in this contest. Evan Jive and Avetot have both won at Racetime earlier on this season whilst Bocage De Fornet was victorious last time out for Thomas Bennett,Ā defeating Finbarr Brickleyās Socrates Du Noyer in an epic battle. The handicapper has subsequently had his say and Bocage De Fornet now gives Socrates Du Noyer a start and this may be the determining factor when they settle down to fight it out. On that basis Socrates is the most likely winner.
Before the Alex Patterson Senior Memorial Final all unplaced runners get a second bite at the cherry, in a consolation pace where it will be free entry for all participants.
With a total 6 races being staged on the afternoon, including pacers trotters and some ārising starsā childrens pony racing Racetime Raceway really is the place to be this Saturday, and with the requisite Covid-19 protocols in place all patrons are welcome to come to the venue and enjoy a family day out.
The action starts at 3 pm on Saturday and as stated earlier all patrons are welcome to come and support the sport
by Thomas Bennett, for Harnesslink