28 July 2017
PAUL MICALLEF
JUNEE postman Bruce Harpley has driven enough good horses to know what one feels like.
Harpley has put the bridle on such greats as Frith, Jofess and Greg Kelly (winner 17 of 18 starts) just to name a few.
So when he says Western Ron is “the best I’ve had as far as young horses are concerned”, you sit up and take notice.
Harpley is confident his youngster can pass his toughest test to date and win Sunday’s Group 3 Alabar NSW Breeders Challenge Regional Final at Bathurst.
The $30,000 feature for two-year-old colts and geldings sees Western Ron take on one of Newcastle's fastest ever juveniles in Bright Energy and the well-performed Bella Ball Terror.
After unplaced at his first two starts Western Ron has steam-rolled the opposition at his next three starts, the latest at Wagga last Tuesday leaving Harpley in awe.
Western Ron raced outside the leader before reeling off his last 800m in 56.7 seconds to score a runaway win.
“I’ve lived here all my life and that would be the quickest last half I’ve ever heard of a two-year-old running at Wagga,” Harpley said.
“Not only that he did it from the death and did it with style.
“It takes a bit for me not to sleep and I can tell you I was still buzzing the next morning about him.
“It’s just ridiculous. I know you can get carried away with times. It was more about how he did and how he felt.
“Honestly without getting carried away, had he been on the fence he would have gone 55 around Wagga.
“I can only imagine what he can run on these larger tracks if the conditions are right.”
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FORBES trainer Adam Bellach is hoping Rocknroll Angel’s class will carry her to victory in her division of the Group 3 $30,000 Alabar Breeders Challenge Regional Final for four-year-old mares.
The high-speed mare has not started since February and while it’s not ideal going into Sunday’s race, Bellach said she can overcome the lack of match fitness with her ability.
“I would have liked to get a run under her belt but I ran out of time,” Bellach said.
“I gave her a trial at Cowra last Sunday and they went 1:59.3.
“While she is not 100 per cent, her work at home has been as good as ever and if the real Rocknroll Angel turns up she’ll brain them,” added Bellach.
Rocknroll Angel has established a terrific record of seven wins from only 13 starts with a personal best mile rate of 1:52.6 around Menangle.