Late call for last shot at Eureka berth

Londonderry harness racing trainer Michael Xuereb was preparing to head to Melbourne on Wednesday with his stable star I Break The Line (Betting Line) when he received news that his pacer received the chance to have one last crack at gaining a start in the upcoming TAB Eureka.

I Break The Line was initially drawn as first emergency for Saturday night’s Racenet Discovery Stakes at Tabcorp Park Menangle with Xuereb and owner Dennis Sammut all but giving up on their Eureka dream.

The scratching of Queensland pacer For Real Life from the event has given their gelding a last-minute lifeline to perform in the qualifying leadup in front of the TAB powerbrokers who will make their final decision on what horse will represent them in the $2.1million Eureka on September 7.

“We were all but on the road to Victoria to tackle the Vicbred series,” said Xuereb.

“I had our bags packed and was loading the car when I received the call from Harness Racing New South Wales officials to see if we were keen to take the run after the scratching.

“It was a unanimous response from the whole team that we would stay and head to Menangle, given that we believe we have a horse worthy of gaining a spot in the Eureka.

“He is the only sub 1:50 performer in the field over the Menangle mile and he has a great record at the track.”

Purchased at the 2021 Australian Pacing Gold Sydney Yearling sale by Sammut, the son of Betting Line has been under Xuereb’s care from day one  and has had a high opinion of the horse all the way through.

“We have had him at home from the day Dennis purchased him from the yearling sales,” said Xuereb.

“He has taken us on a great ride to date, but if he were to at least gain a birth in the Eureka it would be a real thrill for us all.”

Champion reinsman Luke McCarthy has been booked to take the drive aboard I Break The Line, and with likely scratchings will start from gate six.

“Luke is a champion reinsman, and we are thrilled to have him in the gig,” said Xuereb.

“Josh Gallagher is his regular driver however he was already committed to Dougs Platter in the race which was understandable.

“From his draw we are confident he will run a huge race and hopefully impress the TAB selectors.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW