Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Speedy pacer Hampton Banner is ready to produce a strong performance in the $31,000 SEFSsolutions.com.au Free-For-All at Gloucester Park on Friday night following an impressive effort in a trial at Pinjarra on Wednesday of last week.
The New Zealand-bred seven-year-old, trained by Debra Lewis, dashed to the front soon after the start of the 2116m standing-start trial and withstood an early challenge from Im The Black Flash before setting the pace and winning by a half-length from Skylou, the winner of the WA Derby last November. The final quarters were run in 28.7sec. and 27.9sec.
Chris Lewis is sure to take full advantage of the prized No. 1 barrier on Friday night in a bid for an all-the-way victory for the Bettors Delight gelding, who is sure to be improved by his two runs since resuming from a lengthy spell.
Hampton Banner led from barrier four before wilting to finish eighth behind Lavra Joe and Swingband in a 2130m Free-For-All last Friday week in which the final three quarters were run in 28.3sec., 27.9sec. and 28.2sec.
His battle with Tenzing Bromac, Tricky Miki, Ima Fivestar General, Blitzembye and others should provide plenty of action.
Tenzing Bromac, to be driven by Deni Roberts for trainers Greg and Skye Bond, will be making his first appearance since he had a tough run in the breeze before wilting to sixth behind Magnificent Storm in the WA Pacing Cup in November. His form before that was excellent, with a victory over Pinny Tiger and placings behind Mighty Ronaldo, Jumpingjackmac and Diego.
Tenzing Bromac faces a stern test from the outside barrier in the field of eight. But he has the ability to overcome that significant disadvantage.
The Justin Prentice-trained Tricky Miki will start from barrier No. 6 with Maddison Brown in the sulky. The brilliant five-year-old won the group 1 Golden Nugget in December before having a let-up and resuming with a narrow win over the outstanding Minstrel in the group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup two starts ago, on February 16. He then had a tough run, out three wide and then in the breeze before fading to seventh behind Minstrel in the Pinjarra Cup three Mondays ago.
The Mike Reed-trained Blitzembye will be having his first start for three months. He gave a sample of his ability in December with placings in consecutive weeks behind the brilliant Magnificent Storm. Shannon Suvaljko will be in the sulky when he begins from the No. 3 barrier.