Ronnie on track for Eureka as Menangle lights up

28 August 2023

LESS than a week from the world’s richest harness race, the $2.1m TAB Eureka, the Menangle track proved it was in tip-top shape with fast times recorded there on Saturday night.

Those who attended last weekend’s meeting were treated to an impressive performance by Hi Manameisjeff (pictured) when the newcomer to the Jason Grimson stable set the track on fire by clocking a scintillating 1:48.9 with Sydney ace Cameron Hart in the gig.

Then Mach Da Vinci confirmed that the track staff at Menangle could not have the racing surface any better when he clocked 1:50.5 at the end of the eight-race program.

This was a pleasing sign for club officials as they gear up for Saturday night’s history-making occasion.

With the weather forecast indicating that there will be clear skies for Eureka night, all is shaping up for a memorable event.

My Ultimate Ronnie, one of the horses contesting Saturday’s TAB Eureka that will be driven by Hart, produced an eye-catching run when he finished fifth in the Kevin Newman Free For All.  

The Jarrod Alchin-trained entire, who will represent slot owner Rob Watson and Soho Standardbreds, made up ground from the tail of the field to be beaten just over two metres after the leader and subsequent winner Spirit Of St Louis set a moderate pace over the 2300m trip.

Alchin was full of praise of his horse’s performance and is confident My Ultimate Ronnie will benefit from the run, claiming that his personal last half would have been exceptional.  

“I was really happy with him,” said Alchin.

“It is very hard to make up ground in any class over the 2300m trip when the leader is getting things easy up front.

“But it is all that much harder when you are chasing a horse as good as Spirit Of St Louis.

“Overall, I was happy with how he finished off the race.

“We are all so excited to a part of Saturday’s Eureka.

“These are the races that we all strive to work towards.

“His owners Scott Whitton and Jodie Foster put a lot into the sport and deserve to have a live chance in such a big race.”