Hall backs the locals in Nullarbor

Champion WA trainer Gary Hall Sr has “put the pen through” the three interstate harness racing raiders in Friday night’s inaugural $1mil Nullarbor at Gloucester Park.

Hall, who has Jumpingjackmac (gate five) and Diego (six) in the race, agrees Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) is clearly the horse to beat after snaring gate two in Tuesday’s barrier draw.

“One of the local horses will win it and Magnificent Storm has everything in his favour … I’d have him about a $1.60 shot the way the cards have fallen,” he said.

“I don’t rate the raiders. I was surprised Spirit Of St Louis came across. He didn’t do much last week and now he’s drawn out very wide (gate eight).

“Betterzippit is up in class and the distance is the big thing for me. Will he run it out? And where will he be in the run, he won’t be running to the front here. He might not even get the spot outside the leader.”

Spirit Of St Louis eased from $4 to $10 after drawing wide, while Betterzippit has firmed from $5 to $4.40 despite what looks a tricky draw (gate four).

The moderately-performed NSW pacer Loyalist is the other NSW-trained runner, but he’s a $41 shot from barrier seven.

Hall Sr rates Lavra Joe (gate three) and his pair, Jumpingjackmac and Diego, as the only dangers to Magnificent Storm.

“To be honest, Magnificent Storm’s biggest danger is himself. If there’s a bit of a bit early, the one query is whether he’ll get fired-up and, if he does, it could leave him vulnerable at the finish of the long trip (2536m).

“But he’ll have Typhoon Banner on his back and that helps him, too. Typhoon Banner won’t be a danger.

“If Magnificent Storm happened to get fired-up and they went really hard, then Lavra Joe with the right run would be a threat. He’s back in his best form at the right time.

“My two need luck from their draws. They’ll go back and need the pace on, but they’re both good enough if everything went right.

“I’d lean slightly to Diego as my best hope because tries so hard. He really gives his all. Jumpingjackmac is the more brilliant of the two, but he’s a bit of a non-winner. He needs a cold sit and to time his run perfectly or he’ll find a way to get beaten.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia