Dow Jones stocks rise in an even Nugget

Trainer Kim Prentice is no stranger to Retravision-Golden Nugget (2536m) harness racing success and he’s under no illusion how hard they are to win.

Soho Tribeca produced a stirring performance to deliver Prentice a big win in the 2016 Golden Nugget, the same night as the Inter Dominion.

It’s why when barrier one comes along in such a race, it’s hard not to take advantage of it.

Especially when you value it as much as Prentice does.

“I love four-year-old racing,” Prentice told The Trots WA.

“It’s almost the pinnacle for me.

“Three-year-olds they can sometimes be a bit hit and miss, whereas four-year-olds are more seasoned and it makes for great racing.

“I think at least half of this year’s field will end up in Free-For-All racing.”

Soho Dow Jones (American Ideal) was the big winner from yesterday’s barrier draw, while key rivals Wonderful To Fly and My Ultimate Ronnie weren’t as lucky drawing barrier six and 12 respectively.

Prentice said he was thrilled with the timing of the favourable barrier draw, the first time Soho Dow Jones drew barrier one in a mobile for 12 starts.

“He’s been going enormously without any luck with barrier draws,” he said.

“In the 4YO Classic a fortnight ago he followed Wonderful To Fly and when Mitch (Miller) went to make his run he went straight up the back of My Ultimate Ronnie.

“He’s a good front runner and we’ve got options.”

Star Casino and Tricky Miki, who were both gallant behind Wonderful To Fly in the 4YO Classic, have drawn alongside Soho Dow Jones in barrier two and three respectively.

Prentice said he was leaning towards leading from the draw.

“He’s only been beaten once in front and did a power of work when he did,” he said.

“I can’t see anything with blistering gate speed on the front line, but it’s a $200,000 race so I’m sure there will be a few that come out.

“When I spoke to Rob yesterday he said to me ‘you sound like he can win the race’.

“I really think at this point in time he’s going that well that we can take luck out of it and try to lead.

“He’s no Soho Tribeca, but he’s a nice horse and I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s going.”

With regular driver Mitchell Miller away, Michael Stanley returns to Perth to drive the gelding this week.

Stanley was in Perth in October to drive Soho Seraphine in the WA Oaks.

Soho Dow Jones firmed into $9 with TABtouch for the Golden Nugget, with My Ultimate Ronnie still the $3 favourite.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim Walker for RWWA