By Jonny Turner
After starring on the big stage, Clark Barron and Brent Barclay will try to keep their winning form going at Winton on Thursday.
The training and driving combination produced one of the most impressive victories on Labour Day at Ashburton when Bring On The Muscle powered home from off the speed to win the Group 3 Hambletonian Classic.
Trainer and driver knew they had always had a serious horse on their hands, but for the three-year-old to prove it in the best possible circumstances brought plenty of satisfaction.
“He went super, he has really turned the corner,” Barclay said.
“He looked great, he had dapples in his coat and he was strong down the straight and strong right through the line.”
The epic win, coming from the unruly to beat a classy field, has earned Bring On The Muscle a shot at the $500,000 Majestic Horse Floats LP The Ascent on Show Day during the New Zealand Cup Carnival.
Slot-holders were quick to try to snap the brilliant southerner up, with the New South Wales-based Tumby Park Trust winning out.
Barclay and Barron will be back in action at Winton on Thursday, combining with Raknruin in Race 5, The Pasture/The Finish Line Mobile Pace.
The three-year-old has been running on from hopeless positions in her recent starts, but she gets the chance to settle handier from one.
At least Barclay hopes that is the case.
“We have put the blinds on her this week which I do think will help.”
“The main issue is there is a heap of gate speed outside us.”
“We will have to see where we end up, but if she gets a handy enough trip she could be in it.”
Barclay rates Jovial Jay his best drive at Winton on Thursday in Race 9, The Rump/ Prime Cut Mobile Pace.
The pacer has placed in all three of his starts this time in and looks to be closing in on a win.
“He’s got all the form and he’s drawn 1,” Barclay said.
“We will be trying to use the draw, whether he can lead up I don’t know.”
“But he can follow speed well too, so if he can get out well and follow the right horse he would be a chance.”
On Thursday, Barclay will reunite with Julie Jaccka, a mare he drove to a Group 1 placing in the New Zealand Trotting Oaks as a three-year-old in Race 8, the Ironman / Beef and Lamb Handicap Trot.
Though class is bound to take the mare close, the reinsman is wary about his horse’s lack of recent racing.
“She won her last trial but it was just OK and I definitely think she is still on the way up.”
“It is a handy enough field and Moment Of What trialled very well the other day.”
Barclay combines with another of the Brett Gray stable in Madison’s Moon, who starts in Race 1, the Farmers’ Trot, after a second at Ascot Park.
“If she trots all of the way she can run in the first four, she has to get away and do things right.”
Barclay also links up with Sidorova and Ted at Winton on Thursday.
