Drivers stepping up

Harness racing driver Jack Callaghan’s not complaining . . . and neither is Blake Fitzpatrick.

And while leading reinsman Jack Trainor may be feeling the frustration of copping a three-week suspension from driving, his team continues to ride the crest of a wave.

Trainor will look to both Callaghan and Fitzpatrick to bring home the bacon tonight at Tabcorp Park Menangle when these two talented reinsman take his stable’s best drives.

Callaghan, already rated in the top echelon of this state’s list of impressive young reinsmen, will partner handy former Queensland mare Lillies ($1.80) for Trainor in Race 3.

The beautifully-bred Lillies is chasing her fifth win from her past six starts and has enough gate speed to make her presence felt, despite drawing the middle of the front line.

Callaghan has also picked up another top drive from Trainor with the classy Stravinsky in Race 8.

This four-year-old has also shown plenty of speed in recent starts and has been kept safe with the TAB, listed as a $2.75 favourite for the fourth heat of the Autumn Gift series at Menangle.

Fitzpatrick has also plenty to look forward to tonight with the best of his drives probably depending on some good manners.

Because that’s what Fitzpatrick believes Andoverlov will need to show he and Trainor if he is to win Race 9, where he’s listed as the $1.65 favourite.

“I do think he’s the best horse in the race,” Fitzpatrick told National Trotguide’s Mick Ko’cass.

“His run first-up here for Jack was outstanding in a much harder grade and he looks well-placed.

“The distance will suit him as well and he just needs to put it all together early, I guess.”

Fitzpatrick has also taken over training La Puddie from the Jess Tubbs stable in Victoria and quietly fancies his prospects.

“La Puddie’s last two runs here have been good and he’s drawn well and looks a great chance,” he said.

“He’s adaptable and a good leader but he’s also pretty versatile too.”

Fitzpatrick also likes his prospects with Pearl Harbour ($3.50 second favourite) in race 5, the second heat of the Autumn Gift.

“She’s running good sectionals and is really suited to the mile racing here at Menangle,” he said.

“She’s electric off the gate and can put herself in the right spot.

“She’s definitely quick enough to lead tonight, but she can also take a trail if she has to.”

To view the fields for Menangle on Saturday night click here.

By Michael Court for HRNSW