Wolf ready for first bite

While three Group 1 trotting finals will be a highlight, the return to the track of star pacer Wolf Stride  (Rock N Roll Heaven) also catches the eye at tonight’s (Jul. 9) mammoth 11-race harness racing card at Menangle.

The former Miracle Mile placegetter has not raced since October last year and after a short stint with leading Victorian trainer Andy Gath, has now joined the stables of veteran horseman Darren Binskin.

Two handy trials should have him ready to go in Race 5 tonight, although Binskin admits the field for Vic Frost Free-For-All will be a hard nut for Wolf Stride to crack first-up after he drew gate six for the Group 3.

“He trialled well here last week and felt strong. They went 1:51 so he’s chipping away there,” Binskin told National Trotguide’s Mike Ko’cass.

“It’s a big ask for him against the likes of those horses – but he has the talent.

“I don’t really know what happened with him in Melbourne when his form tapered off, but the spell seems to have helped him.

“Bringing him up slowly has probably helped too.

“He did have some bruised bone injuries but seems to be right now.”

Binskin explained that with good horses like Wolf Stride, managing their health was often the No. 1 priority.

“He’s one of those horses that has kept getting better,” said the master horseman.

“He started off a little slow but he’s just got better every year.

“He doesn’t show that much gate speed, actually he’s not that brilliant out.

“But that doesn’t bother him and he comes home pretty strong.

“I’m not sure where he’ll settle tonight because there are a few that sit back and couple that roll forward.”

Wolf Stride was installed safe in the betting at $5 in early markets behind Zeuss Bromac ($3) and Bundoran ($3.50).

M.H. Treuer Memorial winner Loorrim Lake ($5.50) is right in the mix as well and with all three drawn inside of Wolf Stride, Binskin knows it could be a battle of tactics.

Binskin says the races named after legends like Vic Frost are always special to win.

“My family raced against Vic, he’s a legend,” said Binskin, whose father John was also regarded as one of our greatest reinsmen.

“These young guys going around now, if they are one-third as good as these guys, they’ll go a long way.”

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Court, for HRNSW