Rando stepping up

There has been an emergence of a plethora of young harness racing driving talent across New South Wales throughout the 2022 season.

Of course, the state’s best, Cameron Hart has been established in the top ranks for several seasons now.

But this year would be his best yet, not only capturing the state’s drivers’ premiership with 184 winners, but also winning the Inter Dominion Grand Final in Victoria.

Jack Callaghan can also boast a successful season, recording 157 winners to finish runner-up to Hart.

The former Newcastle reinsman, who recorded his best results in his short career, will claim the concession drivers’ title ahead of many of the up-and-coming youngsters domiciled in New South Wales.

Penrith is a track where most of these young drivers have cut their teeth and has been the perfect stepping-stone to progress to metropolitan competition.

One of the young talents who is enjoying a good run of success lately is 20-year-old Lucas Rando.

Rando has seized the good opportunities afforded him from some of Sydney’s leading stables, producing some excellent drives to land multiple winners at recent Penrith meetings.

“It has been a good month for me,” said Rando.

“I have been fortunate to have been given some good opportunities and thankfully I have been able to deliver the results.”

Rando has three drives at Penrith tonight (Dec. 29), his best appearing to be in Race 3 when he combines with his father James and the gelding Southbound Train (Bettor’s Delight).

Southbound Train’s form is consistent without winning but he has come up with gate four tonight and is dropping in grade from races that he has contested since he last saluted in September.

“He is a lovely horse that puts in 100 per cent every time he goes around,” said Rando.

“The race tonight looks quite suitable for him as he is dropping in grade.

“If he can get a touch of luck in the run from his draw, he will be right in the mix.”

Rando’s remaining drives are for Blake Fitzpatrick, namely Sneak A Peek (Race 4) and Uncle Chan (Race 5).

“Sneak A Peek is a former Kiwi that I have not driven before but looks to have plenty of ability while Uncle Chan won well when I drove him last start,” he said.

“With his good gate speed and front-running style he will be hard to beat again.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW