O’Connor family on another wonderful ride

Former Cowra racemare Alitomo was a dominant harness racing force throughout the Western Districts during her five years of racing more than two decades ago.

Trained by Anne O’Connor, the bonny mare won 42 races against the best of her time, winning multiple country cups and metropolitan races at both Harold Park and Moonee Valley

It was a wonderful ride for the O’Connor family and now, 22 years on, Alitomo’s best-performed progeny Joetomo (Roll With Joe) is poised to emulate his dam’s feats when he will start as favourite in tonight’s third heat of the TAB Western Region Championships at Bathurst.

With a $100,000 Group 1 final beckoning, Joetomo is one of the pre-post favourites for the series following impressive recent form that includes three wins and a close second from his past four outings.

The winner of the prestigious Honouree Stakes Final on Bathurst Gold Crown night, the seven-year-old has the added advantage of starting from barrier one and should have the gate speed to maintain a forward position in the run.

Canberra reinsman Jimmy Locke has developed a great affinity with the gelding since taking over the reins in February and he is looking forward to combining with Joetomo for the Championships.

“It is a great thrill for me to again be given the drive by Anne and Peter for such a big occasion,” said Locke.

“They are great people who have done a fantastic job to have this horse back to the promise he showed as a youngster.

“I just hope that ‘Joe’ and I can get the job done for them.

“On paper, the race looks even.

“If we can hold a prominent position from the inside draw, I am sure he will be right in the finish.

“You could not be anything but impressed by the way he is racing. 

“Anne has him flying, so, yes, I am daring to dream.” 

This year’s TAB Western Regional Championships attracted huge nominations enabling four heats to be run tonight.

With only the first and second placegetters from the heats assured of a start in the May 17 final, the competition is certain to be hot.

Not surprisingly, Bathurst’s own Amanda Turnbull holds the key to the series as she has strong drives in each of the qualifying heats including Allstarzzz Frankie for her father Steve Turnbull as well as three runners from her own stable.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW