Ken Casellas | Photo: Gloucester Park Harness Racing
Outstanding young reinsman Kyle Symington is planning to set the pace with The Code Breaker in a bid for victory in the $25,000 #Skyracing Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Symington said he was happy with the way The Code Breaker performed at his second appearance after a spell when he finished strongly from sixth at the bell to be a close second to State Of Heaven last Friday night when he sprinted over the final 400m sections in 27.52sec. and 27.97sec.
“It was a good second-up performance, and he has come through the run very well,” he said. “I think he has the gate speed (from barrier No. 3) to cross the two runners, Beat City and Master Leighton, on his inside.”
The Code Breaker is prepared by Baskerville trainer Ryan Bell, who has Hillview Bondi engaged in Friday night’s race for his first appearance after a spell. With Hillview Bondi drawn to start from the outside barrier (No. 9) on the front line, it was an easy choice for Symington to make to drive The Code Breaker.
However, he said that it was disappointing that he was unable to drive Hillview Bondi because he has experienced a wonderful association with the gelding, having been in the sulky for ten of his 15 wins.
“Hillview Bondi has never been a good trackworker, but his recent work has been good,” said Symington. “However, barrier nine, first-up, makes it hard for him.” Mitch Miller has been engaged to drive Hillview Bondi on Friday night.
Capel trainer Aiden De Campo has four runners in the race — Rockandrollartist, Magnus Victor, Dominus Factum and The Miki Taker.
He has decided to drive The Miki Taker from the outside barrier on the back line. Trent Wheeler will drive Rockandrollartist from barrier five, Dylan Egerton-Green will handle Magnus Victor (barrier six) and Ryan Warwick will drive Dominus Factum (barrier two on the back line).
“I’m not sure where I’ll get with The Miki Taker, but you can do whatever with him,” said De Campo. “He’s versatile; he can do a bit of work and he can sit and kick. He was a bit disappointing (when third behind Rockmyster and Dominus Factum) two weeks ago.
“But he drops a bit in class and his work since his latest run suggests that there is nothing wrong with him. So, I’m expecting him to return to form this week.
“The other three are racing well, and Rockandrollartist will probably lead and go well.”
The Greg and Skye Bond-trained Street Hawk is favourably drawn on the inside of the back line and cannot be underestimated. He resumed after a spell in fine style at Pinjarra on Monday of last week when he started off the 40m mark and finished strongly to win easily over 2631m.