Tim Walker | Photo: PACEPIX
In-form mare Little Darling is poised for more feature race success in tonight’s Kerry Clark (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
The Barry Howlett-trained pacer produced an encouraging performance behind Aardiebytheseaside last week when first-up for 35 days.
Prior to that, Little Darling finished second in the Breeders Stakes and was a winner of the Empress Stakes in April.
Reinsman Chris Lewis, who reunites with Little Darling tonight, said he was encouraged by her performance last week and would hold her in good stead tonight.
“She’s been going so consistently,” Lewis told TABradio.
“I think she went super.
“She’s taken ground off them and she’s maintained her good form.”
As well as Little Darling, the Kerry Clark has attracted star mares Water Lou, Penny Black and Aardiebytheseaside.
Water Lou has drawn favourably in barrier two, while Penny Black, Little Darling and Aardiebytheseaside will start from barrier three, four and six respectively.
Lewis said he expected Water Lou to lead and hoped Little Darling could enjoy a good run near the speed.
“It’s probably hard to say exactly what will happen, but on paper it looks like Water Lou will lead,” he said.
“I think there’s probably four or five good chances in the race and it depends on who gets the best run.
“She can lead and has breezed and won.”
Lewis teams up with another in-form pacer Petes Honour in the WASBA Supporting Your Industry Pace (2130m).
The Jemma Hayman-trained pacer produced a good performance last Friday when third to Haveyoumetted.
Lewis said the four-year-old would need to produce another strong effort this evening.
“He worked into it halfway through and really stuck it out well,” he said.
“That’s as good a staying effort he’s done and it’s probably not ideal for him.
“I would say we would drop in and assessing from there.”
Lewis’ other drive on the Gloucester Park card is No Noney in the Free Entry At Gloucester Park Pace (2130m).