Speed the key for NSW Breeders Challenge qualifiers

Not only will the fastest individual mile rates secure a position in the $50,000 Final at that venue on October 29, it will also determine barrier draw selection for the feature.

Connections of the fastest mare in those 1609m qualifiers will have first pick at the barrier draw for the Final while connections of the second fastest mare will be second in line to choose a barrier draw, and so on.

There are 23 mares aiming to qualify this Saturday, however, there are only 12 spots up for grabs for the Final, plus two emergencies.

The innovative qualification and barrier draw process is met with another twist, as the starting configuration will see eight horses off the front row and the remainder of the field on the second row.

This is unlike the usual starting position at Menangle where there are 10 starters all off the front row.

These same conditions will be replicated for the NSW Breeders Challenge Four-Year-Old Entires and Geldings Qualifying Heats at Menangle on October 22.

The uniqueness of the series is all about innovation according to Harness Racing NSW Chief Executive John Dumesny.

“In bringing back the Breeders Challenge four-year-old divisions, HRNSW looked at innovation and we firmly believe the innovation has been and will be delivered,” said Dumesny.

“With 12-horse fields at Menangle, two rows at Menangle, it certainly delivered during the Inter Dominion when record turnover was the outcome.

“Focusing on time is innovative and when you have the best race circuit in the Southern Hemisphere, these qualifying heats will deliver some speed-focused initiatives from the drivers.

“Of course we have the Group 1 $100,000 Riverina Championships, which are for Breeders Challenge eligible horses at another of our premier tracks in Riverina Paceway.”

For more information on how the New South Wales Breeders Challenge Four-Year-Old series works, click here.

From HRNSW Media