Great draws give Vics the best chance at Group 1 stardom

A golden draw has given the Victorians the upper hand heading into Queensland’s Group 1 $150,000 Garrards The Golden Girl.

The Kate Hargreaves-prepared Ludacrous (Art Major) came up with gate one at this afternoon’s barrier draw function, with wonder harness racing mare and multiple Group 1 winner Ladies In Red (Mach Three) in two for trainer Emma Stewart.

Hargreaves, from Shelbourne, believes Ludacrous is ready to go.

“I am absolutely rapt with the draw,” Hargreaves said. “She’s been super her last two runs with no luck at all. She will be cherry ripe for this race and, ideally, we would like to hold the front.”

Fellow Victorian Lisa Miles is booked to drive the four-year-old.

The Jason Grimson-prepared Aardies Express, who upset Ladies In Red in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Mile at Menangle in May, has drawn seven.

Last year’s runner-up Manhattan has drawn five for the 1660m event.

Ladies In Red is set to touch down in Queensland tonight before Saturday night’s Group 1 at Albion Park.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria