One slot left to be filled in the $2.1m Eureka

There looks to be just one harness racing slot left to be filled in the $2.1m TAB Eureka.

And Saturday’s night’s inaugural running of The Singo, will see high-profile Sydney businessman John Singleton make his selection for the richest harness race in the Southern Hemisphere.

Singo himself has warned it may not necessarily be the winner of this weekend’s $50,000 The Singo.

He might choose the runner-up, if that horse is unlucky to lose – or even one to finish further back.

Either way, the four emergencies for the Eureka will also be chosen from The Singo.

“Things are now falling into place really nicely for our biggest-ever night,” said Club Menangle Racing Manager David Wonson.

“Ripp pulled up well after an unlucky run at Menangle on Saturday night.

“He is likely to have one more run and may be Wayne Loader’s choice for his slot in the Eureka here in three weeks’ time.

“Catch A Wave was impressive winning at Melton on Saturday night.

“Everyone knows how good Leap To Fame is but some people forget what Catch A Wave did in winning the Chariots and the Miracle Mile earlier this year.

“There were a few doubters after he was beaten first-up but Andy and Kate Gath will have him right on the night, for sure.”

Wonson said the Club was expecting a crowd on Eureka night akin to the opening of the new Menangle track in 2008.

“That was chaos, but we are a lot better organised now than we were then,” said Wonson.

“We’ve had thousands pre-register for the event, which lets you know people are interested and the things they need to know about the night.

“It’s getting pretty exciting.

“Any horse whose connections are hoping to get a shot at The Eureka will need to be in the Singo this weekend, because that’s now the only way left into the race.”

Wonson said the club had gained plenty of exposure thanks to the involvement of John Singleton.

“He’ll be here next weekend and I’d suggest people get here next week because you never know, he might buy a beverage or two. He is renowned for that – and you never know.”

Meanwhile ace young Menangle reinsman Josh Gallagher looks the man to follow at Menangle this afternoon with an exciting book of drives.

The best of those looks to be late in the day when Gallagher drives Parallel ($3.50 favourite) in Race 6 and Tommy Waterhouse ($4 favourite) in Race 8.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Court, for HRNSW