Boxer out to land knockout blow at Ararat

Lexton harness racing trainer Ashleigh Herbertson would like nothing better than to see stable veteran Im Shadow Boxer (Shadow Play) land a feature race.

“He’s been a great horse for us and our number one for quite some time,” he says.

“He’s a real favourite. We call him the king of the stable.”

Herbertson gives Im Shadow Boxer another opportunity to secure a feature in the $30,000 Ararat Advocate Ararat Pacing Cup (2195m) on Friday night (Mar. 31).

It will be Im Shadow Boxer’s third start in the race, having finished fifth in 2021 and eighth last year.

Herbertson knows though that the eight-year-old is again facing a tough assignment, with a classy line-up including last-start Charlton Cup winner Cant Top This.

“Realistically I’ll be happy with a top four finish,” he said.

“We had hoped to draw one or two, but from five we’re going to have to go back and as we often do, drive him for luck – hopefully getting through on the pegs and making a late impact.

“It’s a big task, but you never know.”

Herbertson is pleased with the way the son of Shadow Play has performed in his three runs back from a freshen-up, with a first-up second at Swan Hill and last-start second at Bendigo taking his career record to 16 wins and 33 placing in 128 starts.

“They’ve been very good,” he said.

Herbertson would also be rapt for Queensland-based owner John Gregg if Im Shadow Boxer could secure a race like the Ararat Pacing Cup.

He said Gregg was a long-time stable client and really enjoyed racing horses in Australia and New Zealand.

Herbertson is also excited to see Ararat Harness Racing Club return to its usual night slot for the first time in almost two years after having new lights installed.

“I’m a big fan of Ararat,” he said.

“Full credit to the those at the club who have worked hard to ensure night racing has returned.

“I love racing there and always try to have runners at their meetings.”

As well as Im Shadow Boxer, Herbertson is also taking Gottahaveahobbie to Ararat in a bid to add to his 21 wins at the track.

The Ararat Pacing Cup meeting features 11 races, with the first at 5.13pm.

The voice of Victorian harness racing Dan Mielicki will be master of ceremonies on course, while HRV’s Tim O’Connor is looking after a punters’ club.

For complete race entries, click here.

by David Brehaut for Harness Racing Victoria