Look ahead to this weekend's harness racing action in our weekly preview, thanks to Darren Clayton.
This weekend shapes as a mammoth three days of racing in Queensland.
A total of 29 races to be decided from 6.15pm Friday at Albion Park through to 4.25pm on Sunday afternoon at Marburg.
Following the two-year-old heats of the QBRED Breeders Classic on Tuesday at Albion Park, the three-year-old’s will step out in their heats on Friday night.
There will be three heats for the colts and geldings and three for the fillies with the top three across the line guaranteed a position in the respective $50,000 Finals to be held on Saturday, May 31.
GET ON
Albion Park on Saturday night. Race four - Gus.
Currently Queensland’s highest ranked trotter for the Inter Dominion Series in July, the Chantal Turpin-trained gelding will be first-up from a spell.
With two sharp trials in readiness for the return, look for a bold display first-up.
DO YOU WANT FRIES WITH THAT?
The Trent Dawson-trained French Fries has drawn to dictate in the opening Breeders Classic heats for the colts and geldings on Friday night.
The heat includes three feature race-winning two-year-olds from last season.
A great beginner, the Captaintreacherous gelding has finished in the top two at all four starts this season, which included a new personal best set last start over the Albion Park mile.
Leading throughout from gate three and rating 1.52.1 for the mile, French Fries will be the one to beat, with his main danger likely to be following his every step.
Sinabun has drawn gate one for Darren Weeks and Angus Garrard.
The 2024 Redcliffe Sales Series-winner has had a mixed start to his three-year-old year, with two unplaced runs either side of a strong win from outside the second line.
Following Sinabun, Fire Raiser has drawn the inside second line barrier.
Fire Raiser is last season’s QBRED Triad-winner and claimed victory last start from gate seven for trainer and driver Grant Dixon.
Another feature race two-year-old winner in Toro Loco draws poorly in gate seven for trainer Ben Battle.
The Sunshine Stars Sale-winner is still chasing an elusive win in 2025.
ARRIVE TO CONTINUE FAMILY LEGACY
The only filly that multiple Queensland Broodmare of the Year Washington Lass has produced is named Arrive.
The winner of four races from nine starts, Arrive will be looking to emulate the deeds of her esteemed siblings and add a QBRED feature race victory to the trophy cabinet.
She would join Big Wheels and Awaywego.
Set to contest the second fillies heat on Friday night, the Chantal Turpin-trained filly will need to overcome gate six to progress through to next week’s decider with a win beside her name.
The early market reflects the fact it looks a race in two.
The only two runners under a double figure quote are Ruby Rules and Arrive.
Drawn in barrier four is Ruby Rules, with the Grant Dixon-trained filly returning from a NSW Oaks campaign where she was a heat winner at big odds.
That was before catching the eye with a fast-finishing fourth in the Final behind her stablemate Cool And Classy.
Arrive has won two of her three starts this season, the latest when leading throughout at the 2138 metre journey.
She easily accounted for the ‘boys’, Thetorque Majority and Udderly Sweet, who will both be in action in the colts and geldings’ division on Friday.
A top three finish will guarantee a spot in the $50,000 Final, with the battle for third looking wide open.
Isla Rochelle has the fence advantage from barrier one, Perfectly Quirky boasts a last start victory, as does Sharp As Camm Be, who will be resuming from a spell from gate 10.
CAN THE WINNING STREAK CONTINUE?
High-quality four-year-old Birkirkara will contest the opening race on Saturday night at Albion Park where his unbeaten record at the track will go on the line.
The winner of seven races from just eight starts, the Jack Butler-trained horse can boast a perfect six from six record at 'The Creek'
Birkirkara's only defeat came when finishing third at Menangle behind fellow Queenslander, The Janitor, earlier this season.
Nathan Dawson will reunite with Birkirkara on Saturday.
Dawson has driven the gelding just once previously, resulting in an effortless win from outside the second line over the 2138 metre trip.
If the son of Sweet Lou can add another victory this week, his chances of securing an invite to The Rising Sun will be bolstered.
Just two invites to the race are currently accepted.
Attachment, who is a last start winner, will offer some stern competition to Birkirkara.
The Chantal Turpin-trained four-year-old returned from a spell with an impressive victory last week.
Regazzo Di Tilly will also provide tough competition.
The five-year-old has placed in all four starts this season and has produced some great runs in defeat.
Regazzo Di Tilly was third to Dele Row when resuming.
He has been runner-up to Free Thinker, Air Express and The Janitor at each of his next three appearances.
