Trainor making Sydney his own

Former New Zealand harness racing trainer-driver Jack Trainor has made Sydney his own since settling here nine years ago.

On Saturday night (Sep. 24) at Tabcorp Park Menangle, Trainor bagged his biggest haul to date as a trainer when he landed four winners at the metropolitan meeting.

What Jack has proven is his undeniable affinity with fillies and mares and tonight (Sep. 29) he will head to Penrith with Rocknroll Sass (Rock N Roll Heaven) who will start favourite in the $20,400 Penrith HRC Futures Ladyship final, a feature on a strong eight race program.

Rocknroll Sass qualified for the final last Thursday night when having her first run for Trainor after her former trainer Grant Coelli sent the filly to him to give her the opportunity to contest the upcoming feature races in Sydney, including the New South Wales Breeders Challenge.

“She went super for us first up at Penrith last week,” Trainor enthused.

“Jack Callaghan drove her for me and said that she gave him a great feel.

“She was impressive in clocking 1:56.0 and was still strong when she hit the line.

“That is always pleasing and a relief when they are first up for you.

“I do feel that she is the one to beat in tonight’s final, especially if she can find the top and dictate terms. If that happens the opposition will have a job tracking her down.

“Her work has been strong leading on from last week’s run, and she is in good spirits which has boosted my confidence.”

Trainor will also take a hand in the other feature tonight when Cradle Of Fire (McArdle) contests the Penrith HRC Futures final which is for entires and geldings.

The gelding was also first up for Jack after racing in Queensland and finished second to odds on favourite Loyalist which will again be the one to beat tonight.

“He will have his work cut out to beat Loyalist, but he has drawn well, and I will do everything I can to use that to our advantage,” said Trainor.

“The first up run in Sydney will do him well and has topped him of nicely for the final tonight.”

Jack has another runner engaged at the meeting in the shape of La Mistress (Vincent), a filly having her second career start.

Despite being beaten by a fair margin at Goulburn on debut, she struck trouble and will be better for the outing.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW