San Simeon winner a Nugget Chance

Friday night’s San Simeon (2130m) winner Goodfellaz (American Ideal) has what it takes to measure up to feature four-year-old races later this year, according to champion harness racing driver Chris Lewis.

Goodfellaz made an early move to sit outside raging favourite Cotton On and went on to score a tough victory in the $50,000 feature.

The San Simeon was gelding’s first start since June and produced a performance suggestive he would be a prominent player as the year unfolded.

Lewis said he expected Goodfellaz to keep improving ahead of a potential shot at the Group 1 4YO Classic and Golden Nugget in December.

“He’s a fairly handy sort of horse,” Lewis told TABradio.

“I know this horse has got really good ability and he’s probably just starting to show the better part of that.

“All things being well, I can’t see why he shouldn’t play a forward role in that sort of race (Golden Nugget).

“There’s a few factors that come into it, but I think there’s a number of horses that have a good chance in that sort of race.”

Goodfellaz now possesses a formidable record of nine wins and nine placings from 21 starts, with the San Simeon the biggest win of his career to date.

GOODFELLAZ REPLAY

The four-year-old has been nominated to race this Friday night at Gloucester Park.

It was one of two winners on the night for Lewis, who teamed up with Sheez Our Hope in the opening event on the card.

Lewis also steered two-year-old filly I Cross My Heart to run third to Water Lou in the Diamond Classic (2130m).

Lewis said he couldn’t have asked for anymore from I Cross My Heart.

“She’s done a nice little job,” he said.

“She’s a handy little filly.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Tim Walker for RWWA