Tactical barrier draw selection for Breeders Challenge

The concept undertaken for determining the barrier draw for harness racing’s New South Wales Breeders Challenge Finals has played right into the hands of connections of the talented Jason Grimson-trained mare Tay Tay (Rock N Roll Heaven).

On Saturday night (Oct. 15) at Tabcorp Park Menangle the former Victorian posted a scintillating 1:50.6 for the mile, the fastest time of the two qualifying heats, earning the right for connections to select her barrier draw for the $50,000 final on October 29.

Grimson and her owners left it their driver Cam Hart to select the draw he felt was best for their mare and without hesitation he chose gate two.

“Starting from gate two will give me a few options,” said Hart.

“Sometimes at Menangle gate one is not ideal.

“At least from the two slot, if those drawn out wider get a across in front of us, we will be in the running line and have room to move.”

Tay Tay was given a classic Cam Hart drive on Saturday night and she produced a powerful finishing burst from near last at the top of the lane.

After starting from the second row, the four-year-old was driven patiently by Hart, who moved her to the centre of the track with 400m to travel and at that point it was evident that she was going to overpower the leaders.

TAY TAY REPLAY

“This mare was super tonight,” said hart.

“She had to make up a lot of ground and really exploded when I let her down.

“She felt so good and hit the line strongly.”

The first of the mare’s qualifiers was won by Orchid Stride (American Ideal), who ran a half second slower than Tay Tay.

But to her credit she did all the bullocking work in front and was rated to perfection by Jack Trainor.

Trainor selected the coveted gate one for the final with the fast beginner and it is likely that she will lead and be hard to run down.

ORCHID STRIDE REPLAY

“It is going to be a strong final, that’s for sure,” said Hart.

“But I would not want to be on any other horse in the race.

“Tay Tay came up here with a good reputation which she has more than lived up to.”

BARRIER DRAW – NSW BREEDERS CHALLENGE 4YO MARES FINAL

For complete race results from Menangle Saturday, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW