McCarthy primed for a big weekend

Sydney’s premier harness racing driver Luke McCarthy is shaping up for what could be one of his biggest weekends of his illustrious career.

Coming off the back of winning the past two New South Wales metropolitan premierships, McCarthy is quite enthusiastic to be heading to Penrith on Thursday night where he will drive two Michael Doltoff-trained pacers and the champion reinsman is quite bullish about their chances of winning.

The first of the runners, Offyarocka Crocker will contest the Sky Racing Active Pace (race 2) while the filly Promiseland makes her debut to racing in the 2yo Maiden Pace (race 8). Click here to see fields.

“When Mick gave me the call to drive these two, I jumped at the opportunity as both are really nice horses,” said McCarthy.

“Offyarocka Crocker raced in most of the feature two-year-old races last season and connections intend following a similar path with him this year while Promiseland is a well-bred filly that gave me a great feel when I drove her in a recent trial.

“So, it was hard to say no to driving the pair, given the respect I have for both pacers.

“I believe they both have what it takes to scale greater heights and should prove their class at Penrith.”

Tonight’s assignment kicks off a busy weekend for McCarthy and he will immediately turn his attention to tomorrow night and his important drive aboard Expensive Ego in the $100,000 AVE Technologies Newcastle Mile.

Then on Saturday night Luke will team up with Victorian trainer Mick Stanley for the $250,000 Cordina Chicken Farms Chariots Of Fire when Paleface Adios Sprint winner Rock N Roll Doo takes on some of the best four-year-old pacers in the land.

“It is going to be a massive weekend for us. Belinda has Expensive Ego spot on going into the Newcastle Mile and although he has been beaten in recent runs, his efforts have been enormous,” McCarthy said.

“I do expect Boncel Benjamin to cross and lead early and we may have to park outside of him over the short trip. But I have confidence that he can do it the tradesman’s way and win.

“Rock N Roll Doo’s run was awesome last week and although he has drawn poorly (gate 10) in the Chariots I would not write him off. He has the class to overcome that adversity.”

To view the upcoming Australian meetings click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW