Strong line up in $100,000 feature

Harness racing’s AVE Technologies Newcastle Mile tonight has brought together one of the strongest fields in the race’s rich history.

Newcastle Harness Racing Club could not be happier with the line-up as only a handful of the big guns including Grand Circuit champion, King Of Swing are missing.

Reigning Inter Dominion champion Boncel Benjamin which has drawn a middle barrier is likely to come out humming in search of the lead and if that happens, he will take a ton of beating.

Tactics play a key role in the outcome of feature mile races and that will certainly be the case in the Newcastle feature.

Driver Josh Gallagher has already indicted his intentions and is adamant that the vanguard position is where he wants to play from.

“Boncel Benjamin definitely has the speed to come out and challenge for the lead. Majestic Cruiser is probably the only horse drawn to his inside that has the toe to go with him early while The Black Prince can hum the arm but has drawn out wider,” Gallagher explained.

“One thing I am confident of is that trainer Jason Grimson has my charge spot on and ready to go despite being first up from his Inter Dominion victory.”

Harness Racing enthusiasts are looking forward to the rematch between Boncel Benjamin and Expensive Ego, this being the first time the pair has met since that history making verdict when Stewards upheld the protest in the TAB Inter Dominion final back in December when Expensive Ego was first past the post.

But Gallagher knows too well that tonight’s race will be a tough one, littered with classy pacers.

“I do believe that Expensive Ego is our main danger.”

“It is a known fact that Expensive Ego does not have an over-abundance of gate speed, but no doubt Luke (McCarthy) will put him into the race early and his class and toughness will ensure that he will be right there in the finish.”

“I am still pinching myself over what has transpired over the past three months. Getting the late call up to drive Boncel Benjamin in the Inter Dominion and winning it with all that theatre was simply crazy.”

“It has been surreal and humbling that the connections thought enough of my driving ability to partner their horse in these big races. Hopefully, I can further repay them by winning again tonight.”

To view the fields for Newcastle on Friday night click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW