Can history repeat for Harmey?

Nulkaba harness racing trainer Clayton Harmey will be hoping history can repeat itself tonight when he heads to the International Paceway at Newcastle.

The prominent trainer has two runners in the $100,000 TAB Regional Championships Hunter Final and despite them drawing wide, Harmey rates the chances of both highly as they line up for the feature event.

Last year, his pacer Kanye Crusader was able to win the inaugural Hunter Valley TAB Championship Final, which was Harmey’s first Group 1 success.

Talented young Newcastle reinsman, Jack Callaghan drove Kanye Crusader to victory in last year’s edition, giving him his first major success in his short career.

Both Harmey and Callaghan will combine again tonight with Major Bob, who has drawn the inside of the second row and will need luck to go his way while stablemate, Soho Sinatra has drawn next to him and will be handled by another star New South Wales youngster in Will Rixon.

“There will be no excuses from my end should my horses not live up to expectations,” said Harmey.

“I could not have them any fitter and have been pleased with their work leading into the big race tonight.

“I believe that I have done all I can to have them cherry ripe, so now I will rely on my drivers who I consider to be among the best in the business to do the rest.

While Harmey concedes that Major Bob’s draw is a big hurdle, he is banking on the electric speed the gelding can unleash when sat up off the pace.

“I was happy with his heat win so all he needs is a lucky break from the draw and he will be steaming home,” said Harmey.

The trainer also has a massive opinion of Soho Sinatra, who also won well last week.

“This bloke has the makings of being a very nice horse.

“He usually likes to get out and run but tonight he will be sat up and come with the one run and should zip home.

“I have had the ride of my life over the past two years, winning a Golden Guitar, an Inter-City Pace and my first Group 1 in this race last year.

“Gee, it would be something special to be the first trainer to go back-to-back in this race.”

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW