Sharp eye for a champion

Menangle Park based harness racing trainer David Thorn has a sharp eye when it comes to selecting a talented young horse.

In recent seasons, Thorn has chosen youngsters that have gone on to become leading juveniles on the racetrack including Shezallapples, Miss Ex and champion filly Anntonia.

But it is no fluke that Thorn has met the success as he is known as one of the most astute and knowlegible enthusiasts on harness racing breeding.

Before the annual yearling sales, Thorn diligently does his homework, poring over each lot in a quest to secure the next champion.

With Miss Ex now campaigning as a three-year-old and Anntonia sidelined through injury, Thorn has unearthed a two-year-old that appears destined for better things.

Chicago Gangster, a son of Tintin In America opened up his account by winning at Tabcorp Park Menangle on May 17 but it was his performance at Penrith last Thursday night that caught the eye of many.

After a tardy getaway, the gelding was forced to sustain a wide run for the last lap and was only beaten by a short margin.

What added to Chicago Gangster’s effort was that the last half of the mile was run in 57.3 seconds, the quickest of the night . . . which impressed many.

“He is real talent,” Thorn said of his youngster.

“His run last Thursday was massive, and I was concerned that it would take a lot out of him.

“But he has a great constitution and has come through it really well.”

Chicago Gangster will face his biggest test to date on Saturday night when he contests the Group 3 Allied Express Rod and Fran Fitzpatrick Memorial Tatlow Stakes.

Drawn ideally in gate one, the Thorn-trained pacer will need to produce his best as he comes up against some well-performed colts and geldings in the race.

“Saturday night’s race will be a good gauge to see where he is at,” said Thorn.

“If he can reproduce last week’s performance, I do believe that he is good enough to win the race.”

For complete Saturday race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW