Busy times ahead for Fitzpatrick

A massive field of 14 squaregaters will face the starter in Saturday night’s Garrards Tony and Jill McGrath Trotters Cup at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Co-trainers Joe and Mary Rando have five horses in the race while Darren Hancock, Rickie Alchin and Blake Fitzpatrick will each have two runners.

Alchin’s stable star Tough Monarch is chasing a significant milestone, with his current earnings being just $10,026 short of $500,000 and it would be fitting if the nine-year-old gelding could reach that mark in Saturday night’s feature.

Blake Fitzpatrick holds a dual license to train both thoroughbreds and standardbreds and has a strong team of trotters in his stable, including Gimondi and One Majic Kenny, which will line up in the Cup.

“Gimondi has been so consistent for me since coming up from Victoria at the start of the year, running six second placings from eight starts,” said Fitzpatrick.

“But he is first-up from a spell and may find the grueling 3009 metre trip challenging without any recent racing under his belt.

“One Majic Kenny is owned by some of my best clients, and I have been happy enough with his two runs since coming from New Zealand, so I do expect him to run a good race on the weekend.”

Fitzpatrick will first concentrate on Thursday night’s meeting at Penrith, where he will drive in six races, with all of those that he will partner appearing to have sound chances.

Despite being quoted at big odds, Blake believes his three-year-old filly Breivika has claims in the $20,000 Penrith HRC Futures Ladyship Final (Race 5).

“Breivika has drawn well in gate three which is always an advantage at Penrith, and it really suits her racing pattern,” he said.

“Her run last start was super so I expect her to be right in the finish.

“I also like the chances of Starzzz Reign in the first as he should get a lovely trail through from the second line and he is definitely racing better than his numerical form suggests.

“La Vista is a two-year-old filly that is engaged in the last race and I expect her to go well.

“She is still learning but her recent trials were pleasing so I am hoping that she can get away with this race.”

To view fields for Menangle on Saturday night click here.

To view fields for Penrith on Thursday night click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW