Eureka test for Group 1 winner

With just a month until the running of the world’s richest harness racing event, the TAB Eureka, there are slots yet to be filled including the one held by prominent Western District owners Wayne and Julie Loader of Jewel Racing.

The Loaders race a bevy of talented horses, including star filly Jewel Melody and consistent metropolitan campaigner Ripp and have a few options heading into the $2.1million slot race.

But they are yet to show their hand on what horse will represent them, which is creating an air of excitement and mystique around their pending announcement.

With the Bernie Hewitt-trained Ripp eligible for the Eureka, most would presume that he will be their choice, particularly following two recent eye-catching trials at Bathurst.

But Wayne Loader suggests that all is not cut and dried in that regard and said he and Julie were biding their time in making the all-important final decision.

“Ripp has been doing everything right coming back from a spell, but Bernie would have to be 100 per cent happy with him for us to push on and contest such a big race with him,” said Loader.

“If Bernie decides that he is not ready for it, we have other options up our sleeve, so we will just play it by ear.

“The Eureka concept is very exciting for all involved in the sport, that’s for sure.

“Julie and I wanted to be a part of it right from the time it was first announced, so we jumped in and purchased a slot.

“We cannot wait to see what the next month brings.”

Ripp makes his return to the track this Saturday night in the Club Menangle – Alf Phillis Free For All, which will give connections a strong indication of where he is at as he is taking on a quality field of open-class pacers, headed by the in-form South Coast Arden.

Jewel Racing has three representatives competing on home turf at Bathurst tonight, with Kerbang demanding the attention of punters in Race 8.

The gelding is still a maiden after 17 runs but the multiple placegetter has had no luck at his most recent outings.

Drawn much better tonight in gate two over the 1730-metre trip, Kerbang should get his chance to break through.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW