SA Trots - Illusionation on track for seven on end

04 June 2021 | Paul Courts
Logo

A WIDE draw is expected to have no affect on Illusionation’s winning streak at Globe Derby on Saturday night.

Racing in sensational form for prominent trainer Frank Pullicino, Illusionation has won his last six starts in stylish fashion.

Despite drawing barrier six the son of Rich And Spoilt is close to a good thing according to Pullicino’s reinswoman-wife, Gaita.

“He is in great form and we couldn’t be happier with him,” Gaita said. “He’s come from the second row in three of his last five starts and the other two were from barriers five and six.

“I can’t see it being a problem this time either...as long as he doesn’t get any interference he should be too good again.

“But as we all know in racing he still has to get out there and get the job done first.”

Purchased from Western Australia by the Darren Billinger stable in April 2020, Illusionation had seven local starts before being sidelined for 10 months due to leg issues.

Transferred to Pullicino during the interim, the gelding has had eight outings this campaign.

“He did a suspensory in his back leg, which is why he was sent to us,” Gaita said. “We gave him a clay treatment for a couple of months, then the extra work in the pool has helped him immensely.

“He’s still a day-to-day proposition and after every start we just hope he pulls up ok.

“As long as he stays sound he can go a lot further through the grades.”

  • PAUL COURTS

 

Related News

12 February 2026
Here's to Lou
Talk about unlocking the talent. The transformation of former Victorian pacer Cheerstolou since being switched to the Sunshine State has been remarkable. The pacer burst onto the local scene with a thumping first-up triumph at Albion Park on November 6 in 1:50.8, which was quickly followed by an eye-popping...
12 February 2026
Sire Power in Tourello's Melbourne Draft
The draft of the northern Tasmanian-based Tourello Standardbreds at the Australian Pacing Gold Melbourne Yearling Sale on Sunday, February 15 features representation from some of Australia’s most exciting, young first crop sires in All Bets Off, Summa Cum Laude and Catch The Fire. A $3 million...
12 February 2026
Long-time Vendor has Magic Sales Touch
A love of horses and the harness racing business has kept Rutherglen hobby breeder Graeme Gourley coming back to the annual Victorian yearling sales. “I sold my first yearling in 1979 and I’ve had a horse at the yearling sales with various companies every year ever since,” Gourley said....
12 February 2026
Stockton aims to qualify handy mare for $150,000 feature
Alfredtown horseman Jake Stockton wears many hats within the harness racing industry - the 41-year-old having good success and an owner, trainer, and driver. Adding to that busy involvement, Stockton and his family operate Wingate Farm, a well renowned breeding operation 15 kilometres southwest of Wagga....
12 February 2026
Leaping onto his biggest stage
THIS is Leap To Fame’s greatest stage yet. For all his amazing deeds and heroics over the past three years, victory as a seven-year-old in Saturday night’s Group 1 Hunter Cup, against the best field he faced, would surely top the lot. Leap To Fame has to overcome the two horses who have challenged...
Click for more