The most interesting starter this afternoon on Horsham's nine-race program is Sebastopol-trained debutant Ballygar for trainer Vin Mahar and leading reinsman Chris Alford.
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The 3YO son of American Ideal USA and the Predict (Grinfromeartoear USA) lines up in the fourth event, the $5000 Auckland Reactor Pace over 1700 metres, and looks right in the mix here, judging on his recent trial efforts at Bacchus Marsh and Maryborough.
While Ballygar is Mahar's first runner for the season the busy Alford continues to notch up winners at an incredible rate.
With six weeks left in the 16-17 season, Alford has 375 winners on the board from his 1362 drives and, barring injury or suspension, should smash the Australian record of 388 set by Daryl Douglas in 2007-08. After today's race, Alford heads to Bendigo for three drives and who knows, maybe onward to the magical 400 mark.
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Ararat reinsman Michael Bellman continues to cover more territory than Major Mitchell in his quest to post winners.
Bellman made the long journey to Yarra Glen on Monday for one drive and was rewarded for his dedication when saluting in the 3YO Pace with Yeah Whatever for owner/trainer Brett Bunfield.
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Jeparit breeder/owner Wayne Schulze enjoyed a consolation victory at Melton on Friday night, when his 3YO filly Aleppo Jewell took out the $25,000 Aldebaran Park Vicbred Super Series Silver Trot for trainer/driver Kerryn Manning.
Aleppo Jewell failed to make the rich Vicbred Final after a sub-par performance in her heat at Bendigo but led all the way from the pole in the Silver to notch up her fourth career win from 13 outings.
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Manning also saluted the judge the next night at Melton with the very smart 5YO gelding Stroke Of Luck in the $18,000 Betting Line @ Empire M1/2 Pace.
The former New Zealand pacer settled towards the rear of the field after starting from the extreme outside second line barrier.
But it finished strongly off a three-wide trail to score in a tight photo.
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THEY’RE RACING
At Horsham (D) today; Mildura (D) & Ballarat (N) Friday, July 13; Maryborough (D) Monday, July 16; Stawell (D) “The Maori Legend” & Geelong (N) Thursday, July 19; Wedderburn (D) Sunday, July 22.
WIMMERA WALLY
Last return: $20 @ Stawell trots
Balance: $645.25
Best bet: R1 No8 Ideally Say Yes $5 win
Value bet: R6 No8 Harpocrates $4 eachway
Multibet: R8 box quinella Nos 2,4,6&8 spend $7
