Alchin has the winning formula with juveniles

It has been a sensational start to the two-year-old harness racing season for Menangle Park based horseman Rickie Alchin.

Regarded as on of the best in the industry at breaking in and preparing young horses, Alchin has laid early claims to having both the best male and female juveniles in New South Wales.

The astute mentor produced the well-bred filly Lux Aeterna (Captaintreacherous) to win the Group 3 Pink Bonnet and then his smart colt Soho Spectre (Art Major) proved far superior in the Sapling Stakes.

Although it is only early days in the 2023 season, both undefeated pacers are shaping well for the upcoming Bathurst Gold Crown Carnival which gets underway in less than a fortnight with the Tiara heats on March 15 and the Crown qualifiers on March 17.

The Gold Crown Carnival has served Rickie well where last year he trained and drove Tardelli to win the Gold Crown for two year old colts and geldings which made it a Group 1 double for him as his then three year old filly Soho Rapsody took out the Gold Bracelet earlier on that same night.

“I love getting up to Bathurst,” said Alchin. 

“It is always a great Carnival and winning the Crown and Bracelet last year was such a thrill for me.”

“Fingers crossed we can get back there and have more success again this year.”  

Alchin tends to follow a similar path when preparing his juveniles for racing, firstly educating and trialling at his home base at Tabcorp Park Menangle and then taking them up to Newcastle for their first outings, a proven formula that has worked so well for his team.

“That formula of going to Newcastle to kick off their careers is not exactly set in stone, but it is such a good track and the Club programs early two year old races.”

“And it is an ideal trip away from home that gives them some travelling experience and helps with their maturity, so it all ties in well.”

With TAB Carnival Of Cups meetings being held tonight at Young and Broken Hill, the Newcastle Club will host a rare Friday afternoon meeting.

Capacity fields are engaged in each of the nine races and favourite punters should kick off the afternoon on a good note with Sweet Paris appearing to be the best bet in the opening event.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW