Will history repeat for Blake and Ellen?

IT was one of the most defining moments in the respective harness racing careers of Blake and Ellen Jones when they combined to win the 2023 TAB Regional Championships Riverina Final with Brooklyn Bridge (Sweet Lou).

Fast-forward 12 months and the pair are in good shape to repeat the dose in Friday’s 2024 edition of the $100,000 feature, qualifying two stable runners for the lucrative final.

Ellen earmarked these championships for talented pair Hy Poactive (Rock N Roll Heaven) and Captain Tom (Captaintreacherous) some time ago and they confirmed her judgement by producing strong performances in taking out their respective heat wins at Wagga last Tuesday night with Blake in the gig.

Hy Poactive has been sparingly-raced and boasts a perfect record of five wins in as many starts.

Despite that unblemished statistic, the gelding appears as though he will be even better with experience as he tends to race greenly.

“He is a real excitement machine with untapped ability,” said Blake.

“Ellen and his owners have been very patient with him, which is paying dividends.

“I just allowed him to do what he needed to do to ensure he went through to the final.

“Like in any big race, the barrier draw will be crucial to his chances, but I have no doubt that he has what it takes to win.

“He sizzled home in a 55-second last half on the back of the longer 2270 metre trip, which was pleasing.”

Hy Poactive took out the Breeders Challenge Western Region Final for three-year-olds at Bathurst late last year before being sent for a spell.

Captain Tom could not have done anymore in winning his heat, his fifth win since joining the Jones camp.

The four-year-old was set alight from gate seven by Blake who found the front just after the start.

The well-bred son of Captaintreacherous maintained full control of the race and coasted clear for the easiest of victories.

“Tom was just as impressive as our other bloke,” said Blake.

“I was able to set a leisurely pace in the early part of the race which enabled him to dash home for a comfortable win.”

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW