Stanley rules out a last ditch Eureka effort

Trainer-driver Michael Stanley has ruled out a last ditch effort at securing a TAB Eureka spot with exciting harness racing four-year-old Exotic Bushranger (Pet Rock), instead opting to focus on September’s Vicbred Super Series.

The Burrumbeet horseman outlined his Eureka ambitions after the pacer secured an upset win over in-form filly Very Pretty at Melton on July 20.

Eureka slot holders TAB will use the Racenet Discovery Stakes at Menangle on August 31 to determine their replacement for initial pick Frankie Ferocious, who has been ruled out of the world’s richest harness race.

“He won’t be going up there (Menangle) to race to chase a position,” Stanley said. “If we don’t get a slot, we need to have him ready for the Vicbred Super Series.

“If you travel all the way to Menangle and you draw poorly and something goes wrong, you de-rail your whole Vicbred program.

“We felt like we were maybe three months behind in creating interest, but I do feel like I have a horse that could win it (The Eureka).”

Stanley, 43, has given the horse out of Smiley Ella high praise ahead of the Vicbred Super Series heats for four-year-old pacers at Melton on August 30.

“He is extremely sharp. I couldn’t be happier with him and he is going to the trials tomorrow at Melton just to have a little hit-out,” he said.

“We will put our focus on the Vicbred and hopefully he can do really well in that series.”

The Vicbred Super Series will culminate on September 14 at Melton Entertainment Park.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria