Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Another clash between pacing stars Minstrel and Lavra Joe in the $31,000 The Running Camel Pace will be the highlight of the eight-event program at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
In the small field if five, Minstrel, prepared by champion trainers Greg and Skye Bond, looks to have the advantage on Lavra Joe, drawing barrier No. 3, with Lavra Joe at No. 4.
The barrier draws played a significant role in the outcome of a 2130m Free-For-All last Friday week when Minstrel burst straight to the front from barrier four, with Kyle Harper opting to restrain Lavra Joe from barrier five to settle down in fourth place in the field of five.
Lavra Joe was eased off the pegs with 1000m to travel, and he moved to the breeze before fighting on to finish third behind Minstrel and Arma Einstein, when the final 400m sections were run in 26.7sec. and 28.1sec.
Minstrel rated 1.54.7 over the 2130m when he finished 13 metres in front of Lavra Joe.
Trainer Ray Jones gave Lavra Joe another run last Friday night when Lavra Joe mustered considerable early speed from out wide at barrier seven and dashed to the front after 100m on his way to an effortless victory at a 1.55.6 rate over 2130m when the final quarters whizzed by in 27.8sec. and 27.1sec.
Minstrel, who did not race last Friday night, has earned $734,007 from 20 wins and 17 placings from 55 starts, while Lavra Joe has raced 63 times for 32 wins, 13 placings and $614,15 in stakes.
The two star pacers have clashed in races eleven times, with Minstrel winning once and Lavra Joe notching three wins.
Lavra Joe has finished ahead of Minstrel seven times, with Minstrel beating his arch rival four times (from their past five clashes).
No doubt, Deni Roberts will be anxious to win the start and then dictate terms in front. Harper is sure to assess his options as the mobile barrier sends the field on its way.
Eldaytona, trained and driven by Lindsay Harper, will start from the No. 1 barrier at the six-year-old’s third appearance after a spell. Eldaytona possesses excellent gate speed and is a good frontrunner, who sat behind the pacemaker when a good third behind Magnificent Storm and El Chema over 2130m last Friday week.
Rubins Plight, trained by Michael George, will start from the No. 2 barrier. The Western Terror gelding showed marked improvement at his third WA appearance when he raced in third position in the Indian file affair last Friday night and fought on well to finish third behind Lavra Joe.