Alchin hoping it is ‘Ronnie’s’ turn for glory

Menangle Park trainer Jarrod Alchin is hoping the 2023 New South Wales Breeders Challenge is the year My Ultimate Ronnie (Bettors Delight) can finally join the harness racing honour roll of the prestigious series.

The four-year-old entire has been a model of consistency throughout his career, winning 17 races from his 34 starts and banking almost $345,000 prizemoney.

But the state’s Breeders Challenge finals have eluded ‘Ronnie’, as he has been forced to play a bridesmaid’s role in the past two seasons.

As a two-year-old, the son of Bettors Delight appeared luckless in that final when being held up at vital stages before finishing third to Tims A Trooper on that occasion, beaten by less than two metres.

My Ultimate Ronnie was back to have another crack in his three-year-old campaign and after leading and setting a blistering pace was gallant in defeat at the hands of Queensland superstar Leap To Fame.

This year, in the absence of some of his arch-rivals, the four-year-old division of the series appears to be at Ronnie’s mercy.

On Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Menangle, he will be sent out a short-priced favourite in his semi-final after drawing ideally in gate four and Alchin is confident he could not have the horse in better order.

“Fingers crossed, this will be his year,” said Alchin.

“He has been so consistent throughout his career and certainly deserves to win a feature race.

“It is never easy, there are so many twists and turns in racing.

“But he could not be in any better shape and I am really looking forward to Saturday night.”

Alchin is also excited about the prospects of another pacer in his stable, namely My Ultimate Snowy, who will contest one of the three-year-old semi-finals on Saturday’s program.

The colt has had just seven starts to date, the son of Sweet Lou is an exciting talent and Alchin believes that whatever he does this year is just a stepping stone to the future.

“Snowy is a really nice horse that I have a lot of time for,” he said.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW