Greg hoping for some Aladdin magic

Charlton harness racing trainer Greg Norman is taking Aladdin (Sweet Lou) to the $14,500 Yarrawonga Refrigeration and Airconditioning Wangaratta Pacing Cup on Sunday with two objectives.

Naturally he’s hoping the five-year-old wins.

If Aladdin achieves that he will also certainly deliver on Norman’s second target.

That’s to earn a run in the Charlton Pacing Cup a week later.

“That’s the plan,” Norman said.

“Hopefully he goes well enough to have the form to get a spot in the hometown cup.

“It’s always great to have a runner in your hometown cup and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Aladdin showed he is on track with an improved close second to Julius Shadow in the Mt Gambier Country Cup on Saturday.

That was his first top-three finish in five starts and gave Norman plenty to be happy about.

“His form has been a bit off so it was good to see him back to his best.”

Norman expects it to be much tougher to get a run in the Charlton Cup, so he knows Aladdin must produce a good enough performance to ensure he is selected.

The Wangaratta Cup attracted seven acceptors, but has been reduced in size with an early scratching.

Along with Aladdin, the Terry French-trained Lorimermajor and consistent last-start Cobram winner Bubba Scrub appear the hardest to beat.

Norman is in with a big chance of a feature double on the nine-race program.

He also has Blue Coman engaged in the $14,500 Reflex Glass/J&T Joinery Wangaratta Trotters Cup.

Blue Coman starts off 10m, with Robbie Royale the backmarker on 30m, and is a country cups specialist.

Blue Coman also made the trip to Mt Gambier, where he finished fourth, and is always competitive in this type of company.

The Wangaratta Pacing Cup was last year won by Nerano and two years ago by the reigning Inter Dominion champion I Cast No Shadow.

For complete race entries, click here.

by David Brehaut for Harness Racing Victoria