Trainer Scott Ewen with his evergreen pacer Bulletproof Boy. Photo by Club Menangle
Newcastle's track record could come under serious threat on Friday night when a high-class field of open pacers line up in the $100,000 AVE Technologies Newcastle Mile.
The current 1:49 mark was set by Queensland star Leap To Fame in last year’s edition. While lowering that time won’t be easy, the presence of noted speedsters Cheerstolou and Rakero Rocket creates the perfect scenario for the winner to challenge the record.
And with a guaranteed spot in the March 14 Miracle Mile up for grabs those engaged will be going their hardest to claim the prize.
Cheerstolou has been a revelation since joining Donny Smith’s stable in Redcliffe, the former Victorian heading to Newcastle with an imposing record of nine wins from his past 10 starts, and after drawing ideally in gate three.
Former Kiwi pacer Rakero Rocket joined the all-conquering Jason Grimson stable in late November and since then has lowered the colours of some big names at his past few outings, including a 1:47.3 performance at Menangle against a strong field that included star Goulburn pacer Captains Knock.
He has drawn alongside Cheerstolou in gate four and the pair are likely to go head-to-head from the outset.
One benefactor from that likely scenario could be veteran Victorian pacer Bulletproof Boy who will start from the outside in gate eight.
Despite the sticky draw, the Scott Ewen-trained 11-year-old will benefit from having the services of James Herbertson in the gig.
Last weekend, Herbertson claimed victory in the Ultimate Drivers Championship in Brisbane, and he is riding the crest of a wave heading into this feature.
“I cannot wait to get up to Newcastle to drive the old boy again,” said Herbertson.
“He has been such a great horse for me and his connections over the past few seasons and although we have come up with a terrible barrier, he is a horse that has to be driven to come with the one run, and there is likely to be a hot speed up front.
“Hopefully we can get into the race at the right time and if that happens, I have no doubt he can figure in the finish.”
