Locomotive rolls on into Wagga today

Inter Dominion harness racing winner The Locomotive (Muscle Mass) looks set to go into the Great Southern Star without a lead-up race.

Trainer-driver Brad Hewitt will make the final call after he takes the young star to Wagga for a workout today (Friday).

“There’s been a couple of races I’d aimed at which have fallen through, but I’m really happy with him,” Hewitt said.

“He only had 10 days off after the final and seems fantastic.

“There is a race for him next Saturday, but if I’m happy with him at Wagga today, I’m leaning towards just taking him fresh into the Great Southern Star.”

The Locomotive will then target the Group 1 Hammerhead Mile at Menangle on Miracle Mile night.

“Then the plan is to go to the big NZ race (TAB Trot) at Cambridge. There’s some talks going on now,” Hewitt said.

Hewitt’s other stable star, pacer Captains Knock, looks unlikely to tackle the Group 1 Hunter Cup.

The five-year-old returns for his first start since a mystifying flop in the Inter Dominion final on December 14.

“He wasn’t himself. There were just a few little things which led me to think he was a bit crook that night,” Hewitt said.

“He’s comeback well and should run a big race tomorrow night.

“I’ll see how he goes before we make a final decision on Melbourne, but I’m leaning towards staying home and focusing on the Miracle Mile at this stage.”

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia