Group 1 drive for 17-year-old

It will be the biggest occasion in harness racing to date for 17-year-old Canberra reinsman Jimmy Locke when takes the drive aboard Jungle Eyes (Peak) in the Group 1 Trot New South Wales Final at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night (Jul. 2).

Locke is yet another graduate from the state’s mini trot program and has gone from strength to strength as a reinsman in the past 18 months, reaping the rewards from the ever-increasing opportunities trainers are affording him.

Trained by Jimmy’s grandfather Steve Lee, Jungle Eyes is assessed as one of the outsiders in Saturday’s field but after drawing perfectly in gate two, young Locke remains optimistic about the gelding’s chances.

“I cannot ignore the fact that my bloke is up against some strong opposition on Saturday,” said Locke.

“But I am pleased he’s drawn in close, which will aid his chances immensely.

“If we get some luck in the run, I have no doubt he will be thereabouts.

“I am excited about having the opportunity to drive in the race for my Pop; It’s my first drive in a Group 1 event.”

Locke, who recently moved to Canberra, not only has a bright future in the gig but is also recognised as a competent farrier and has started his own business shoeing horses in the southern region.

“Making the move from my home town of Crookwell was a big decision but I am really loving it,” said Locke.

“Pop and I are training 12 horses between us and I drive a lot of trackwork for trainers based at Mitchell.

“I then head off to do my farrier work, which is certainly keeping me on my toes.

“There have been many people who have helped me make the move.

“They know who they are, and I cannot thank them enough.”

Penrith Harness Racing Club will host an eight-race program tonight with a 6:22pm start.

Promising three-year-old King Tiger will be looking to keep his unbeaten record intact for prominent trainer Kevin Pizzuto and Inter Dominion-winning reinsman, Josh Gallagher.

The youngster won on debut as a two-year-old last season before being sent for a spell.

He returned to racing at Newcastle in May and was again an impressive winner.

King Tiger is from the first crop of Pizzuto’s former Grand Circuit champion Tiger Tara and looks set for a promising future.

For complete Menangle race fields, click here.

For complete Penrith race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW