This is the time in the harness racing season where the two years that are just behind the very best tend to put maiden fields to the sword.
Race nine at Alexandra Park tonight has a field full of such two year olds and several of the runners look capable of winning a race at short notice.
One who really impressed in his first brief campaign was the Elsu gelding El Jacko.
El Jacko was thrown in the deep end in his first campaign running up against the likes of Lazarus and Chase The Dream and got things wrong in his first couple of starts but his fourth in the Young Guns Final behind the All Stars pair and Code Black was a really smart run and confirmed the big private reputation that El Jacko has always had.
Tonight El Jacko has the advantage of drawing barrier one but the field is full of some handy sorts and he won't have things all his own way.
Co-trainer Logan Hollis was circumspect when assessing his chances earlier this week.
“He hasn’t raced since March and has only had three races as a 2-year-old and he galloped twice."
"He did get around okay in the (Group One) Young Guns Cardigan Stakes and he has been trialling well and he worked very well today (Wednesday)."
"He’s certainly got plenty of ability."
"He just needs time but he can win on Friday."
"Fergie has driven him twice before and will give him every possible chance from the ace draw," Logan said.
El Jacko certainly looks one to follow in the new season and looks to have the potential to go a fair way.
Harnesslink Media