Holy Hecka makes a big impression

There’s been plenty of harness racing success for trainer Mike Reed to enjoy about over the past month.

Hoppy’s Way was placed in the 4YO Championship and 4YO Classic.

Blitzembye has been a consistent performer in Free-For-All company, while Flying Rumour has won both of his starts back from a spell.

However, it’s been Holy Hecka’s (Sweet Lou) first two starts under his care that has him excited for what’s to come.

The three-year-old joined Reed’s Henley Brook stable earlier this year and made his Gloucester Park debut a fortnight ago.

He was only able to get clear running very late in the race and stormed home to run third.

The gelding returned to Gloucester Park last Saturday and scored a dominant win over 2130m in 2:01.0.

Reed said Holy Hecka has shown promising signs in his performances to date.

“He’s still learning the caper because he hasn’t had many starts,” Reed told The Trots WA.

“When he got outside the leader last week, Shannon (Suvaljko) said he dropped the bit and relaxed.

“He said when he asked him to go, he was off and gone.”

The three-year-old returns to Gloucester Park tomorrow night in search of back-to-back wins when he lines up in the All New Foton Diesel Trucks 3YO Pace (2536m).

Holy Hecka has drawn well in barrier two for tomorrow night’s event, with only Insta Gator drawn to his inside.

In-form pacers Sweet Lucifer, Crowd Control and Frisky Styx have drawn barriers three, four and five respectively.

Reed said he still expected Holy Hecka to win, despite the better quality of opposition.

“We’ve never chased him out of the gate, but normally horses as quick as him have good gate speed,” he said.

“We saw last week that he’s able to sit and kick as well.

“He works with Blitzembye and Hoppy’s Way at home and he usually handles them.

“It shouldn’t be a problem for him handling this field.”

Hoppy’s Way will round out his preparation for next week’s Golden Nugget (2536m) when he lines up in the Catalano Trucks New And Used Pace (2130m).

The four-year-old has drawn barrier one in the small field of five, where he meets Mares Classic placegetter Born To Boogie.

Reed said he expected the son of Art Major to go one better from last week’s 4YO Classic.

“He never stops trying,” he said.

“I was wrapped with the run last week and I don’t think it’s done him any harm.

“He will lead and be hard to beat.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim Walker for RWWA