McCarthy away; young guns out to play

Imagine having harness racing drivers of the calibre of Jack Callaghan, David Morris and young Queensland sensation Angus Garrard to call on when you’re out of town.

That’s the enviable position leading trainer Belinda McCarthy has found herself in at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night (Oct. 1).

With her husband Luke heading to Victoria for a fabulous book of drives, including heats of the Victoria Derby, McCarthy has spread some plum drives between the three gun reinsmen mentioned above.

Stable foreman Jack Callaghan will drive the durable pacer Alta Orlando (Race 5), ace former Kiwi AGs White Socks (Race 7) and square-gaiter Majestic Simon (Race 6) and all three look capable of scoring.

Morris gets the steer on David Aiken’s former pacer Malcolms Rhythm (Race 5) and Garrard will partner Zahven Banner in Race 7.

Luke McCarthy was keen on the prospects of Malcolms Rhythm, who has been listed as a $6 shot in the free-for-all class race.

“Malcolms Rhythm probably ran his best race to date for us when he hit the line really well last start, finishing third to Whereyabinboppin,” Luke told National Trotguide’s Mike Ko’cass.

“He’s been in some tough races and did a great job with David Aiken in Melbourne against top free-for-allers and he’s definitely knocking on the door and ready to win one.

“Zahven Banner also trialled at Menangle last week and is in a tough grade tonight, but he’ll win shortly.

“A Gs White Socks (Race 7) went really well last start in good time when he was narrowly beaten by The Black Prince in fast time and he should run a great race.”

McCarthy said he would arrive at Melton with some strong chances on Saturday night.

“Cover Girl (Race 2) probably needed a good draw but we’re happy with her and her first-up run at Newcastle was a good effort,” he said.

“Cantfindabettorman (Race 5) bounced back well from a spell and went super first-up; he’s trained on well and we think he’s our best chance as we do have a high opinion of this horse.

“We’ve always looked forward to getting him among the better horses and should give a good account of himself this weekend.

“Mr Ibiza (Race 6) trialled well last week and we felt he deserved his chance.

“Mach Shard (Race 7) probably should have run second in the Kilmore Cup but he hadn’t run for a while.

“But he’ll strip fitter for that run.”

For complete race fields for Menangle, click here.

For complete race field for Melton, click here.

by Michael Court, for HRNSW