Formosa on Breeders Challenge quest

Prominent Hunter Valley harness racing horseman Michael Formosa continues to have a great run of success with his small team of pacers and heads to Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night in his quest to qualify three of his youngsters for the NSW Breeders Challenge Finals.

The semi-finals for the three-year-olds will be a highlight on what will be a stellar night at ‘Headquarters’ on Saturday week.

Formosa has had his fair share of major success throughout his career with Ultimate Art giving him many special moments along the way.

Ultimate Art won the NSW Breeders Challenge Final as a four-year-old in 2014 and Formosa will be hoping he can move his three-year-olds through to their respective finals tomorrow night with Pops Boy engaged in the second semi-final for the colts and geldings while he has Stellina and Heavenly Holly in the fillies’ division.

“I was pleased with Pops Boy’s effort last start at Newcastle as he got to the line strongly to finish second after racing off the speed,” said Formosa.

“He has had a good week since and the inside barrier draw is perfect for him on Saturday night.

“He should get a good run in transit and hopefully qualify for the final.

“Luck deserted us with the draws with our fillies, which is a shame because they are both racing well.

“Stellina stormed home to win easily at Newcastle last week and really impressed me.

“But from the wide draw I am going to have to drive for luck.

“If she happens to make it through to next week and then draw well, she would not be out of place in the final.

“Heavenly Holly is racing in career-best form and has done a great job to win nine of her 29 starts for me.

“She is pleasing me at home with her work but, like Stellina, her wide draw leaves me with no option but to snag across and then hope for a cart into the race.”

Formosa has six drives at Newcastle on Friday night and each are definite chances in their respective races.

“My best at Newcastle Is probably Rocknroll Swinger in Race 4,” said the Hunter Valley horseman.

“He should lead and win while Military Man (Race 3) should be able to jump on the speed and finish stoutly.”

To view the fields for Newcastle on Friday click here.

To view the fields for Menangle on Saturday click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW