Draw sets up exciting Gateway battle

Champion harness racing three-year-old Never Ending (Sweet Lou) is set to get a challenge in Friday night’s Group 3 Cowden Insurance-Western Gateway (2536m), after Mister Smartee drew barrier one this afternoon.

The Justin Prentice-trained pacer, who has an imposing record of 12 wins from 13 starts, has drawn barrier four for the $50,000 event.

The Gary Hall Snr-trained Mister Smartee (Always B Miki) enhanced his WA Derby credentials with a stunning win in last Friday’s three-year-old event at Gloucester Park.

It was the son of Always B Miki’s third win from as many starts under the care of Hall Snr, having entered his stable earlier this year.

Mister Smartee drew barrier one in his first two appearances in Western Australia and was able to lead on both occasions.

Hall Snr said Mister Smartee came through his win well and indicated he would decide later in the week what to do from the inside draw.

“I wasn’t going to start him this week because he had a tough run last week,” Hall Snr told The Trots WA.

“It was a big effort to be running those times, hanging the way he did and still be charging away from them on the line.

“With a few more runs under the belt and if he was more tractable, I’d probably like to lead.

“He’s still only had the five starts.”

Stuart McDonald is set to drive Mister Smartee, with Gary Hall Jnr driving Never Ending.

While Mister Smartee and Never Ending loom as the main players in the Western Gateway, there’s plenty of depth in the remaining 10 runners.

Prentice also has the talented Mikis Beach and Rolling Fire engaged in the event from barrier five and seven respectively.

Dylan Egerton-Green also has multiple runners engaged in talented pair Rocket City and Hale Saint Louie.

Lusaka will be Greg and Skye Bond’s lone runner in the race.

Louie Dior, Skylord and Magnus Victor have drawn on the back line in 10, 11 and 12 respectively.

Despite being beaten as favourite at Pinjarra yesterday, trainer Jocelyn Young said she was pleased with Skylord’s effort and had come through the run well.

Friday’s card will also feature a Western Gateway Consolation for runners looking to force their way into the WA Derby.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim Walker for RWWA