Three-year-old features highlight Bankstown

Bankstown Harness Racing Club has a busy period during August highlighted by the running of two feature races for three-year-old pacers.

Sponsored by the McDowell family, the Allied Express Couriers Derby and the Cheryl McDowell Oaks will both be keenly contested finals on August 25, each carrying more than $20,000 in stakes.

Two heats for the Oaks, along with a prelude for the Derby make up a strong seven event program on Monday (Aug. 8).

One of Bankstown’s strongest supporters that will be looking to put their stamp on the Oaks series is the Allied Express Racing team, headed by Kerry and Dean McDowell.

They have two leading chances in each heat, Twilight Heaven in race four and Can Can Dancer in the race following.

Bred and raced by Colin and Cheryl McDowell, both fillies will be driven by Lleyton Green, one of the state’s rising stars who is the regular driver for the Allied team.

Green who celebrated driving his 100th winner at Penrith a fortnight ago is keen to qualify both fillies for the Oaks final, particularly given that it is named in honour of Mrs McDowell, and he is confident that both can finish in the mix.

“The McDowell family has been so supportive of me, and it would be very satisfying for all involved should they both make the final,” said Green.

“Both come up against strong opposition but in the smaller, seven horse fields their chances to qualify are bolstered.”

“From a winning perspective, I feel that Twilight Heaven is my best chance.”

“She has raced in the best company right throughout her career, so the Oaks heat is not beyond her capabilities.”

It will be a busy afternoon for Green with the eighteen year old having four drives at the meeting.

Another of the McDowell runners with winning claims that Green will partner is Pikarso which is engaged in race three.

A now five-year-old, Pikarso has been racing on a Tuesday in stronger company at Tabcorp Park Menangle and Green believes that the gelding is in a winnable race.

“Numerically his form does not read that well, but his last few runs have been good. So, I do think he can bounce back and go close to winning.”

Promising unbeaten colt, King Tiger is at short odds to win the Derby Prelude.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW