Alchin makes his mark

Menangle-based harness racing trainer Jarrod Alchin has long been regarded as one of the best educators and conditioners of young horses in this state.

He has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Russell Harpley, who put the polish on several top juveniles when he was a prominent trainer in the Riverina during the 70s, 80s and 90s.

More recently, Alchin has been fortunate enough to become the regular trainer for Scott Whitton’s Tumby Park racing enterprise and the combination is producing many well-credentialled pacers.

Jarrod is taking four of his juveniles to Penrith on Thursday night for heats of the New South Wales Breeders Challenge. To view fields click here.

His stable star, My Ultimate Byron will not be heading to Penrith as he is being saved for the Breeders Challenge Heat at Tabcorp Park Menangle on October 5.

But Alchin and Whitton will still be represented tonight by three of their team in the colts and geldings’ division with My Ultimate Cobber, My Ultimate Ronnie and My Ultimate Skeeta to face off against each other.

“Each of my horses in the boys’ heat have drawn a little awkwardly, but I have faith in their ability and their form has been pleasing,” said Alchin.

“I feel that My Ultimate Ronnie will eventually end up being one of the best in my stable.

“He has a stack of ability but is a horse that needs time to put it altogether.

“Cam Hart will drive him tonight, which will aid his chances.

“I am driving ‘Cobber’, who has drawn outside of the favourite Smaltese, so I will have to make a decision whether to go forward or back once we come out of the gate.

“My Ultimate Skeeta has drawn on the inside of the second row.

“But if the speed is on around the 800-metre circuit, hopefully gaps will appear for him to get clear, and I am sure he can finish his race off strongly.

“I have not had much better luck with the draw in the fillies’ heat with Madrid drawing barrier 10.

“She is an excitement machine that can consistently reel off 26s quarters with ease around Menangle.

“She will be better suited if they put the speed on from the outset and Cam can put her into the race from the bell.

“She has certainly got class on her side, and I am really excited about her future.”

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW