Ready to meet the odds in Breeders Challenge heats

Heats of the New South Wales Breeders Challenge for three-year-olds will be held at Penrith on Thursday night (Sep. 8) and they appear to be dominated by the successful harness racing stable of Jarrod Alchin.

The Menangle Park trainer is in an enviable position with a bevvy of top juveniles in his care and two of them will go to the post as odds on favourites in their respective heats for the fillies and for the colts and geldings.

It is a touch of Deja vu for Alchin considering that both youngsters, Madrid (Bling It On) and My Ultimate Ronnie (Bettor’s Delight) headed into their sophomore year in similar positions for the two-year-old division of the Breeders Challenge.

“These two have had a boom on them from when they first stepped out onto the racetrack,” said Alchin.

“We are now accustomed to them going out at short odds, but those high expectations certainly put the pressure on us that is for sure.”

Not seen since she finished down the track in the APG final back in April, Madrid has drawn poorly in gate six which is a minor concern for Alchin, but he is confident that she is near her best for this first up assignment.

“She has had a couple of trials to clean out the cobwebs and I was really happy with the way she bowled around,” he said.

“She will have her work cut out from gate six but having Cam Hart on board certainly helps.”

My Ultimate Ronnie has had six runs this campaign and is back from a tilt at the Queensland Derby.

“I was really happy with the way he performed early, winning four on the bounce, but his runs in the Derbies were a bit below par to be honest,” said Alchin.

“He has been spot on though since returning home and all is well going into the race.

“The barrier draw will definitely aid his chances as I am sure that he can lead and dictate terms.

“One horse I am worried about that could be a big threat to us is King Tiger. Kev Pizzuto has him flying and I really think his fella will keep Ronnie honest.”

Racing at Penrith kicks off at 6:22pm on Thursday with the Sky Racing Active Pace and the Brad Hewitt trained two-year-old Captains Knock is favoured to get the spoils from gate eight.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW