Itzmineontheline takes Maitland Cup in desperate finish

Hobby trainer Joe Conolly prepared the harness racing quinella when his pacer Itzmineontheline (Betting Line) had the strongest finishing run to take out the Windsor Castle Maitland Cup at the Maitland paceway on Saturday night.

In an action packed event Craftsmans Charlie was installed as favourite ahead of Conolly’s other runner Loyalist.

Seaton Grima on Itzmineontheline settled behind the leader Arnie’s Army from his inside second row draw but as the field shuffled up, he was put back three on the rails. Craftsmans Charlie took off shortly after the start to work around the leader Arnie’s Army who would not surrender the front.

Loyalist who was driven by Ashleigh Delosa settled back at the rear.

ITZMINEONTHELINE DEC 27 REPLAY

Josh Gallagher on Craftsmans Charlie went for broke down the back straight but he couldn’t get a break on his rivals. Grima eased Itzmineontheline off the fence and he issued a strong challenge three wide with Loyalist who had been three wide from the bell still battling on.

However Itzmineontheline held on to win by half a neck from a gallant Loyalist and Craftsmans Charlie who had to do too much work in the run a further four metres away third.

Grima commented:

Initially I would have liked to have been on the leaders back, but I was happy three back on the rails as long as he was on the fence.  When I let him go he really picked up the bit. He can run a quick time at 2400 metres.

Conolly is a detective with the New South Wales Police force and trains a small team. He’s developed a strong association with Grima over the years.

One of Conolly’s best pacers in the past was the former Western Australian Art Tutor who amassed nearly $200,000 in stake money for his nineteen wins.

Itzmineonline was prepared early in his career by Shepparton identities Wayne and Tasmyn Potter. Then in January 2024 he ended up in Seaton Grima’s stable where at one stage he won three races on end.

Since he took over the five year old gelding’s preparation Conolly has won four races and this would have been his most important success.

Grima explained how this went about.

I got the horse from the previous owner Wayne Potter, he elected to send it to me. While I had it Wayne was looking to move it on and Joe said I’ll buy it. As Joe trains his own horses he then took over the preparation.

Grima is grateful for the assistance give by Conolly in the early stages of his career.

I was at mini trots, and Joe was my transition into the big horses. Me and Joe still the best of mates, I still drive most of Joe’s horses.

Joe will take him and Loyalist to Goulburn Cup.

But as I’ll have Helluva in the Cup he’ll need to find new drivers.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink