Harness racing returns to Laidlaw Park Stawell on Wednesday afternoon with a nine-race card of action commencing with the Stawell Newsagency 2YO Pace at 12:03 pm and closing with the Warren Earthworks 3YO Pace at 4:48 pm.
Wimmera stables are well represented with strong chances across the program and with some opening up of regional racing restrictions.
Trainers such as Kate Hargreaves (Shelbourne), Justin Brewin (Junortoun) and Stephen Duffy (Arcadia) will make their first appearances in the district for some months.
Harness fans will find full fields, form, gear changes and punting plans for the Stawell meeting @ www.harness.org.au
BENDIGO WIN
It was good to see young Armstrong trainer/driver Jason Ainsworth land a winner at Bendigo last week.
Ainsworth who works for legendary Great Western horseman Peter Manning, was successful in the Share Media Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1650 metres with 6yo mare Sarahleonie Bow.
Ainsworth slotted his charge three back in the running line after the start was affected then made a lightning, three wide charge heading for the bell and claimed the lead with 900 metres to go.
Sarahleonie Bow trotted solidly through the final lap with a half in 59.1 seconds and scored untouched by 15 metres in a rate of 2:01.3 for the 1650 metre journey.
It was a well deserved victory for the 6yo daughter of former classy squaregaiter Down Under Muscles after finishing close-up in her recent outings.
Ainsworth has done a great job with the mare which came to his stable after a handful of ordinary performances.
In five starts since for owner Natasha Raven, "Sarah" has a win and two minors to her credit, along with her first win Vicbred Bonus.
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CAMPBELL'S SUCCESS
Great Western trainer/driver Grant Campbell was successful at Terang last week with Deadly Assassin in the TAB Long May We Play Pace for Melbourne owner/breeder Greg Bettiol.
The gelded son of Courage Under Fire had been out of the winner's circle since July last year but scored a runaway 12 metre victory with a three and four wide dash to the post from the 500 metre mark.
Deadly Assassin has proven to be a model of consistency over nearly four seasons of racing for Campbell and Bettiol.
Lightly raced with just 32 career starts, the 6yo has to date recorded 8 wins, 11 minor placings and a bank of $46,620.
FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED
It's fingers and toes all firmly crossed that harness racing will return to Horsham as planned for Thursday August 27th.
HRV have released an eight race program with nominations closing at noon on Friday 21st.
West Side Wimmera Wally's Tips
Last return @ Stawell Trots: $32.50
Balance: $258.65
Best bet: R9 No.5 Dream Asset $4 ew
Value bet: R8 No.9 Marjorie Jean$3 ew
Multi bet: Running double R2/3 Nos. 2,3 into 2,3,4,7,8 spend $6
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