Hall Snr sees no ending to star’s dominance

Trainer Gary Hall Snr concedes he’s more than likely running for second in this year’s WA Derby (2536m), following another dominant harness racing win by Never Ending this afternoon.

Never Ending produced another stylish performance in the South Western Districts Council Derby (2100m), scoring by 6.6m to Runningonempty and rated 1:56.7.

It led Hall Snr to paying the Justin Prentice-trained pacer the ultimate compliment.

“He’s the best three-year-old I’ve ever seen, without a doubt,” Hall Snr told The Trots WA.

“I don’t know what’s going to beat him.

“A horse like Mister Smartee would have to draw one and lead really easily.”

Despite the enormity of the task in front of him, Hall Snr won’t stop trying to win a sixth WA Derby early next month and he has a strong team of three-year-olds ready for it.

Mister Smartee (Always B Miki) makes his eagerly anticipated return in Friday’s Retravision Pace (2536m) in what shapes as a key guide to the Derby.

The son of Always B Miki, who has won both of his starts under the care of Hall Snr, will start from barrier five in the high-quality field.

Mikis Beach (barrier two), Skylou (six), Rolling Fire (nine) and Hez All The Rage (10) are set to provide strong opposition to Mister Smartee.

Hall Snr said he was happy with Mister Smartee and stablemate Skylou going into the event.

“I think Mister Smartee will go close,” he said.

“I think he’s probably the second best three-year-old in the state and Skylou and I’m The Black Flash aren’t far behind him.

“I don’t care if he leads, breezes or is sat up this week, he’s a pretty versatile horse.

“Skylou would need Mister Smartee to do something wrong to beat him, but he will keep improving.”

I’m The Black Flash will start in the Summit Bloodstock Pace (1730m), where he will take on the older horses and fellow three-year-old Fess Up.

Hall Snr conceded it would be difficult for I’m The Black Flash to overcome his back line draw and beat the Greg and Skye Bond-trained Fess Up from barrier one.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim Walker for RWWA