Drivers given the big task of nabbing 100 Group 1 wins for Stewart

They have won more than 5000 races between them and now harness racing drivers Mark Pitt, Luke McCarthy and Nathan Jack all have one job to do.

That is to get trainer Emma Stewart her 100th Group 1 victory!

Stewart is chasing that remarkable milestone at Menangle on Saturday night (Aug. 27) where she has a three-pronged attack in the inaugural $175,000 Nutrien Equine 2YO Pacing Colts and Geldings Final.

“It’s pretty exciting but I don’t like to think about it too much until it happens,” said the 40-year-old horsewoman.

The horses with the task are the eye-catching youngsters First Responder (Art Major), Major Celebrity (Art Major) and Petracca (Captaintreacherous).

With Pitt and Jack doing most of the regular driving for Stewart’s stable, Sydney reinsman Luke McCarthy was selected to drive Major Celebrity.

“We always planned for Luke to drive Major Celebrity . . . he is one of our favourite drivers up there (Menangle) and we’ve had a bit of luck with him over the years,” said Stewart.

Meanwhile, Pitt will take the reins on First Responder while Jack will drive the race favourite Petracca.

The latter won his heat at Menangle last Tuesday (Aug. 16) week equalling the fastest last 400m ever seen at that track with a final split of 25.3 seconds.

First Responder raced outside Petracca, who led, the whole way and was only beaten a half-neck in a rate of 1:59.3.

Major Celebrity won the other heat and his mile rate for the 2300m was 1:56.5.

He now goes into the final as the starter in the 10-horse field with an unblemished record.

“The three of them are really well,” said Stewart.

“We took them back home (Victoria) and can’t fault any of them.

“They are different styles of horses but all work with a pacemaker and they all work similar times.

“They will head back up to Sydney on Thursday and will stay in the Retention Barn.”

Stewart’s three starters are the only horses in single-figure odds for the Group 1.

Petracca opened at $2.90 with TAB Fixed Odds and is now $1.95 while First Responder is at $2.70 and Major Celebrity at $4.20.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink