Pacing bred trotter hard to beat in Group One

It looks like only a former Tasmanian stands between Victoria and a Group 1 harness racing victory at Club Menangle tonight.

James Rattray calls the Southern Highlands home these days and the man who won some of our best races with Beautide will be hoping to go home with another Group 1 tonight with London To A Brick (Bettor’s Delight).

This beautifully-bred trotter was born to be a pacer, being by Bettors Delight out of a Christian Cullen mare.

And Rattray is the first to admit he has been blown away by London To A Brick’s aptitude to trotting rather than pacing.

Yet he will need to be at his very best tonight if he is to hold off Victorian pair Rockinwithattitude and Gotfeelingsyouknow in the $75,000 NSW Trotters Derby.

Smart filly Rockinwithattitude won last weekend’s NSW Trotters Oaks in great style and has 10 wins from just 15 starts and more than $170,000 in stakes for trainer-driver David Miles.

While fellow Victorian Gotfeelingsyouknow is unbeaten in four starts for leading square-gaiting trainer Anton Golino and gun reinsman Nathan Jack.

Miles remains confident Rockinwithattitude can add the Derby to her impressive record, despite drawing out in gate five.

“It’s not ideal, but it’s not the worst either,” said Miles.

“She has gate speed, so I will be using it.

“We’ll certainly be going forward and having a look for the lead.”

Miles regards Gotfeelingsyouknow as the one to beat, despite his awkward draw in gate 10 (gate nine after the emergency is scratched).

“I’m a little surprised we were listed as the favourite,” said Miles.

“I rate Gotfeelingsyouknow as the one to beat, even from his draw.”

This suits Rattray, who’ll be hoping to upstage both visitors.

“Every run he [London To A Brick] seems to get better,” said Rattray.

“He’s got speed and he’s versatile and he seems very strong.

“I think early on when he raced he had to have cover as he learned how to race.

“But he led up in a trial at Menangle the other day and did the job nicely.

“He has good gate speed if we want to lead or we can take a sit.

“He did win one of the three-year-old Foundation heats over the 2300m and handled it well.

“So I don’t think the distance will worry him at all.

“I think there’s four or five with live chances in the race – they’re a good bunch.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Court, for Harness Racing New South Wales