APG purchases to dominate semis

IN WHAT has become a tradition, Australian Pacing Gold purchases will be out in force during tomorrow night’s New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge semi-finals at Club Menangle.

Headed by exciting freshman Bar Room Banta, 10 colts and geldings will contest the ‘boys’ division, with each qualifier to be run over the flying mile.

Beginning his career with Victorian horseman Michael Stanley, Bar Room Banta was transferred to local trainer Craig Cross for this series given Stanley is unable to travel due to the Corona virus restrictions.

Second upon debut before scoring with ease in Melton, Bar Room Banta was sent for a spell last March before being moved interstate.

Creating a huge impression with his two wins this time in, Bar Room Banta is the $1.28 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds.

With Luke McCarthy to take the reins, the son of A Rocknroll Dance has drawn to lead throughout from barrier three.

Bar Room Banta will be joined by APG graduates Artful Jack, Captain Crusader, Electric Eye, He Aint Fakin, Meldrum, Pantaloon, Tasty Delight, Warrawee Drinking and Western Shilo.

In the fillies’ category, Anntonia is considered a ‘stand out’ for trainer David Thorn.

Drawn barrier five, the two-year-old slots into three with the removal of the emergencies.

Boasting two wins and three seconds from five starts, Anntonia is a prohibitive $1.09 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds.

Anntonia’s  counterparts are Beta Jewel, Breivika, Girl From Oz, Heaven Island, Honey Chicken, Our Bella Lucia, Soho Almasi, Three Smooches and Vanish Hanover.