Hall Jr makes “incredibly tough” driving decision

Champion harness racing driver Gary Hall Jr says it was as hard a decision as he’s had to make.

But the 42-year-old, who boasts over 4000 wins and 66 at Group 1 level, will partner Mister Smartee (Always B Miki) over Never Ending (Sweet Lou) in Friday night’s $200,000 Group 1 Golden Nugget at Gloucester Park.

That’s despite Never Ending getting a decisive barrier advantage from the pole with Mister Smartee right next door (gate two).

“I’ve known for a while it (the decision) was coming, but it hasn’t made it any easier,” Hall Jr said.

“They’re both fantastic young horses and hopefully they’ve got many clashes to come.

“Having weighed everything up, I think it’s best I drive Mister Smartee.

“I’ve been such a big part of Never Ending and such a big part of Justin’s stable, but he knows that horse so well and he drove him a few times last campaign.

“It’ll certainly feel a bit weird driving against him, instead of being on him, but that’s just how it’s played out.”

Hall Jr has driven Never Ending in 21 of his 24 starts for 14 wins. Prentice has driven him in the other three, in July/August, for two wins and a second.

Hall Jr has been aboard Mister Smartee in all except two of his 17 starts for 13 wins and two seconds. Stewie McDonald drove him in the other two runs.

The pair have only clashed once, when Never Ending (driven by Hall Jr), ran second and Mister Smartee (driven by McDonald) ran ninth behind Skylou in last year’s Group 1 WA Derby.

Hall Jr concedes Never Ending deserves to be favourite given his better barrier draw this week.

“It’s a big advantage to him. I thought he ran really well first-up last week. He hung a bit, but that won’t be a problem now he’s drawn the pegs. He’s the one to beat,” he said.

“There’s nothing between them and Mister Smartie has had a great preparation and has more race fitness. It should be a terrific race.”

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia