Aaron looking for Sweet success

Aaron Goadsby has campaigned just one horse here in Victoria over the years, but is hoping his latest decision to attack our borders will prove a fruitful one.

The New South Wales-based harness racing trainer prepares two starters for tonight’s (Aug. 2) Nutrien Equine Classic heat for two-year-old fillies at Bendigo, with Ignite The Fire (Vincent) and Sweet Valeria (Sweet Lou) making up half of the four-horse field.

Goadsby sent the stablemates interstate with foreman Darrel Standen to avoid star Rickie Alchin-trained filly Lux Aeterna in the NSW Nutrien qualifiers, but to also chase lucrative Vicbred bonuses with the pair.

“They won’t be too far away in a four-horse field,” Goadsby joked.

“I’m just dodging and weaving to try and earn the most for the owners.

“They got there Monday morning and they’re ready to go.”

Goadsby, who once brought La La Bron to Victoria for a fourth placing in an APG 4YO Mares Final during 2021, felt the market had his two runners in the correct order.

Ignite The Fire is a $1.75 favourite from barrier one, while Sweet Valeria is $6. Andy Gath-trained Thesunandthemoon ($2.70) is first-up from Western Australia, while Jodi Quinlan has Internal Blue ($13) as the outsider of the field.

“Ignite The Fire has got the runs on the board,” Goadsby said.

“I took her to Queensland in January and February and she won a couple early. She run second in a heat of the Gold Tiara and made the final, and has only had the one run back.

“Sweet Valeria was always a little bit behind her (stablemate), but she is improving and is definitely good enough to pick up some good money while she is down there.”

Tonight’s meeting at Bendigo will also see Nutrien Equine Classic heats for two-year-old colts and geldings, three-year-old colts and geldings and three-year-old fillies.

All roads lead to lucrative finals, which are back at Lord’s Raceway on August 11.

Heats for the trotters are scheduled to take place at Kilmore tomorrow night.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria