Euphoric Moment Gets His Chance

13 May 2021 | Ken Casellas
Logo

Collie trainer Errol Ashcroft said that Euphoric Moment was a strong stayer, and he was confident that the experienced six-year-old would prove to be hard to beat and end a losing sequence of ten when he contests the final event, the 2536m Etch Coatings Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

Euphoric Moment, a veteran of 91 starts for 12 wins and 28 placings, has drawn ideally at barrier one and Deni Roberts is expected to attempt to win the start and set the pace.

“We’re a good chance from No. 1,” declared Ashcroft. “I usually leave the tactics up to my driver, but we would hope to lead. When he starts off the front, he has gate speed, and if we pop the plugs, he’ll go.

“I’d say that Deni might pull the plugs at the start. That will be up to her. The horse is going really good, and the 2536m will suit him, regardless of whether he leads or sits. He’s a strong stayer.”

Euphoric Moment’s past two runs have been full of merit. Two starts ago he sustained a spirited three-wide burst from eighth at the bell to take a narrow lead in the final 50m before losing by a neck to the fast-finishing Vespa. Then he raced three back on the pegs in fifth position before fighting on to finish fourth behind Alta Intrigue in a fast-run 2130m event. 

Roberts will also drive the Ashcroft-trained Henwood Bay, who is favourably drawn at barrier two in the opening event, the 2130m Catalano Truck And Equipment Pace.

“It’s a pretty tough race, but he’ll be knocking on the door,” said Ashcroft. “I’m happy with the way he is going. I think 2500m in the breeze (when a fading sixth behind Hampton Banner last Friday night) was a bit much for him.”

This week’s event is likely to develop into a battle between speedy pacers Heavens Showgirl and Boom Time.

Heavens Showgirl, a winner at ten of her 29 starts, is in top form for Ravenswood trainer Nathan Turvey, who said: “I think she can win; all she needs is a bit of luck. Her sectionals at her past two runs have been fantastic.”

Heavens Showgirl will start from barrier five with Emily Suvaljko in the sulky. She enjoyed an ideal passage in the one-out, one-back position before finishing strongly to be second to the brilliant Star Of Diamonds in the group 2 WASBA Breeders Stakes last Friday night.

She was most impressive at her previous outing when she was sixth at the bell and seventh at the 550m before she charged to the front 220m from home and won from Blissfullabbey at a 1.55.3 rate over 2130m.

Chris Voak is confident the Ross Olivieri-trained Boom Time will prove very hard to beat, saying: “From barrier six he’ll probably sit and sprint. He can run home in 27sec. flat.

“On ability, he can beat Heavens Showgirl. But the only concern is that he hasn’t been able to race for a month because races keep falling over.”

Boom Time has won at his past two starts, charging home, three wide, from ninth at the 900m to easily beat Vespa and Whoswhointhezoo, and a week later leading from barrier one and scoring by more than two lengths from Mirragon.

 

Related News

11 July 2025
Burning Questions: Chris, Tay and Andy join TOC from sunny QLD
The great Chris Barsby made a special appearance on Burning Questions alongside Tayla French, Andy Gath and Tim O'Connor, with the quartet discussing the Inter Dominion series and also racing at Melton on Saturday night.
11 July 2025
Dashman's harness look ahead - July 11
Look ahead to this weekend's harness racing action in our weekly preview, thanks to Darren Clayton. With night one now in the rearview mirror, some stars faded and some burst on to the landscape with dazzling displays. On night two this Saturday evening, that is where dreams will be made or lost....
11 July 2025
GOODFORM - TOC's tips and game plan for Friday at Melton
Tim O'Connor has done the form for the Friday night meeting at Melton Entertainment Park.
11 July 2025
LISTEN: Alford, Tormey and Ashwood headline Friday Form Panel
Chris Alford, Ellen Tormey and Alex Ashwood joined Gareth for the first half hour of this week’s Friday Form Panel, sharing insights on their key drives across today and the weekend. Tim O’Connor and Darren Carroll returned for the final hour to deliver an in-depth preview of tomorrow night’s...
11 July 2025
LISTEN: Dan and Rob on The Saturday Night Harness Preview Show
Dan Mielicki and Rob Auber break down all the action ahead of Saturday night’s eight-race card at Melton.
Click for more