Never Ending justifies Eureka favoritism

TAB Eureka favorite Never Ending (Sweet Lou) capped off his preparation for the world’s richest harness racing event with a slashing second placing behind Major Moth at Menanagle. 

Jack Callaghan took the Jason Grimson trained Major Moth to the lead inside the first 200 metres of the race while Never Ending settled towards the rear from his extreme barrier draw. 

Major Moth kicked clear of his rivals on straightening and it was left up to Never Ending, who was having his first start at Menangle, to emerge from the ruck and issue a challenge. 

Coming from last on the home turn, Never Ending ate up the ground over the final 200 metres to get within three and a half metres of Major Moth with a further 10 margin to Ardens Ace in a mile rate of 1:53.2. 

The Justin Prentice trained Never Ending ran his last mile in 1:52.4 reeling off his last 800 metres in 53.4 and his last 400 metres in 26.2.  

Prentice was delighted with the performance. 

“I am rapt with the way he went and particularly how strong he was on the line,” Prentice said. 

MAJOR MOTH REPLAY

Prentice admitted he was slightly pensive before the race. 

“You hope he would put a performance like that in but you really don’t know until he does it,” he said. 

“It’s hard to line them up but if someone had of said he would run second to Major Moth I would have taken it.” 

Prentice revealed there was interest in Never Ending contesting the TAB Eureka as a three-year-old last year. 

“I just thought it would be too much taking on the four year olds,” he said. 

Leviathan owner breeder Rob Watson was quick to secure Never Ending early this year. 

“Rob has always liked him and he sent a message when the horse came back this time in late last year,” he said. 

“He has always had the high speed but this year he has got a lot stronger and his manners have improved.” 

Bookmakers were quick to react to the performance with Never Ending firming in from $3.40 to $2.60 favorite for the $2.1m TAB Eureka ahead of Don Hugo ($4.50) with Fighter Command and Major Delight on the third line of betting at $6. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink