Ibiza ready to join the party

Talented New Zealand import Mr Ibiza (Sunshine Beach) showed he is ready to mix it with some of Australian harness racing’s top three-year-olds.

The colt stepped out at the Menangle trials on Wednesday (Sep. 21) and ran faster than any winning mile rate he has recorded clocking 1:50.4.

MR IBIZA TRIAL REPLAY

That will be Mr Ibiza’s last public outing until the heats of the Victoria Derby at Melton on October 1 according to driver Luke McCarthy.

“That was his hit-out and next is heats of the Victoria Derby,” said McCarthy.

“The fact that he’s gone that time in a trial shows he’s a pretty handy horse . . . he’s got so much speed.

“I’ve always liked him since he arrived here and we’ve just figured him out and he’s showing that.”

Mr Ibiza has had six starts in Australia with trainer Belinda McCarthy for two wins and as many placings.

His personal best mile rate in a race is 1:51.6 that he set when winning at Menangle last start on August 16.

Mr Ibiza has had 25 starts for five wins and nine placings.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink