Barrier Daily Truth

Drivers vie for Maltese Cup glory

Thursday, 16th February, 2012

By The Pack Horse

 The highlight of tonight’s meeting is the running of the time-honoured Maltese Cup.

Six runners will compete for the main prize of a cup and the Sew Eurodrive Maltese rug.

Our sponsors tonight include the Schinella family, the Attard family and the Farrugia family.

Another highlight tonight comes in race four when the Clogg family celebrates the 80th Birthday of Keith. The race is named in his honour.

Full canteen facilities and refreshments are available along with the tote and bookmakers.

“Come and see the stars under the stars.”

Race 1. Schinella’s Friendly Grocer Pace

Sets up the start of a great night’s racing with the running of the 3yo and upwards race. Dakota Rose is top selection aided by the pole position and the absence of Lombo Carolina. Jimmy should be able to lead and control the race to his liking. Dasmar from the six gate has been showing improvement every week and will be thereabouts for second with third to Saaremaa, a first starter for Ray Oates.

Race 2. Attard’s Transport & Crane Service Pace

Assembles a field of six in the 0-1 win class with a few genuine chances and plenty of early speed. Have settled on Redrumandruskies to salute here as she will have the last crack at these. Second to the consistent Farewell Hanover, with Sniper Cam third.

 Race 3. Sew Eurodrive Maltese Community Cup

Aussie, Aussie, Maltese, Maltese, Maltese, Aussie is how they have drawn to do battle over the 2500 metre trip.

1) Ivanovic - Trainer/Driver: R. Slater. 

Drawn ideally in one and most likely to take a sit over the 2500 trip and strike late.

2) Utwo Loo - Trainer: D. Pimm. Driver: C. Robinson. 

Likely leader who does enjoy to run along in its races and may be able to control affairs from the front.

3) Bubble Wrap - Trainer: T. Camilleri Driver: A. Camilleri. 

The first of the three Maltese runners, generally tough as teak but does mix his form now and then. 2500 metre trip will suit, expect to make his run early on.

4) Unsolved - Trainer: T. Camilleri Driver: A. Adams. 

Led and won over the short course last outing and may find the longer trip beyond him. Will need a cosy soft run to figure in the finish here.

5) Wally’s Daughter - Trainer: T. Camilleri. Driver: S. Smith. 

Likes to lead and run along but drawing 5 most likely puts an end to that, so will need a genuine run race and hope to run on late.

6) Montana Madge - Trainer/Driver: R. Wayman.

Consistent and versatile pacer who will likely be put into the race early but still can win driven with a sit. Big watch.

Selections:

1. Montana Madge

2. Utwo Loo

3. Bubble Wrap

Race 4. Keith Cloggs 80th Birthday Pace

Named after one of the stalwarts of Harness Racing in the Hill whose involvment spans back decades.

The Clogg family held many trainer and driver titles in the 1990s. Keith’s family will all be in attendance tonight and we wish themy a wonderful evening.

Beau Ceil is my selection for first as she continues with her good form. Lombo Carolina which is stepping up in grade and drawn five should run into second with Ebony Girl for Geoff Telfer third.

 Race 5. Charlie Farrugia Pace

Shay Shay Shania gets her chance to return to the winner’s circle here.

After last week being held up and not able to obtain a clear run Ash Camilleri will be into the running line ASAP tonight. Second and third will be hard fought between Rockets Revenge and Passing Shadows.