Hammering towards a TAB Eureka berth

Harness racing trainer David Moran can see the irony of his dilemma with TAB Eureka hopeful Captain Hammerhead (Captaintreacherous).

Moran somewhat reluctantly ran Captain Hammerhead in last year’s $2.1mil TAB Eureka when he “won” his way into John Singleton’s slot as a three-year-old last year.

Still a big and raw baby, Captain Hammerhead was overawed by the occasion and finished back in ninth spot.

A year later and with an almost fully furnished four-year-old, Moran is desperately chasing the last slot in Saturday week’s TAB Eureka at Menangle.

“I’d give anything to be in this year because I really think he can win, whereas last year we sort of just went around because the opportunity was there, knowing it was really a year too early for him,” he said.

Captain Hammerhead’s chances rely solely on his performance – most likely needing to win – Saturday night’s Racenet Discovery Stakes (2300m) at Menangle.

That’s the race TAB will use to finalise its slot runner to replace its original choice and long-time favourite, Frankie Ferocious, who had a setback that required throat surgery.

But the connections of Captain Hammerhead’s nine rivals all have the same plan.

“It’s frustrating it’s come down to this, but he had that setback just before the big races in Queensland when he was absolutely flying. I think he’d have locked away a slot well before now if not for that,” Moran said.

“Still, we just got him back in time to have this late crack at getting in and he’s primed.

“I’ve had so many people say he should already be in the field the way he won at Melton (last Saturday night).

“Despite usually needing a run first-up, he went super the other night and the time was great, too.

“He should only be improved by the run, but it’s not ideal having to go again this week and then again the week after if he gets through, but I’ve got no choice.”

Captain Hammerhead was so impressive last Saturday night – his third in his past four starts – he is $2.30 favourite for Saturday night’s “qualifier” from a king draw (gate five) over the suitable 2300m trip.

Moran, who does lots of driving himself, confirmed he would leave Nathan Jack aboard for Saturday night after the pair combined to win so well at Melton.

Four of Queensland’s most exciting pacers – For Real Life (gate one), Sure Thing Captain (three), Regazzo Di Tilly (nine) and Wisper A Secret (11) – are amongst Captain Hammerhead’s major dangers.

The Shannon Price-trained Sure Thing Captain, who won the TAB Eureka Consolation last year, is $3.50 second favourite on Saturday night.

Talented local Dougs Platter (gate two) and classy Tasmanian raider Nyack (six) add to the depth of a terrific race.

From The Eureka