Boxa to deliver knock-out blow

CAPTURING a ‘junior title’ during his previous bout, Ima Boxa should have no trouble continuing to climb to the rankings this weekend as he works towards his pending ‘heavyweight’ clash.

Ima Boxa delivered a ‘knock-out’ blow to secure a Regional Championship in Penrith on March 20, earning him a passage into the main event – State Championship at Club Menangle on May 2.

Given a freshen-up following his success, Ima Boxa will return for what shapes as little more than a sparring session at Menangle tonight.

Undefeated from four ‘fights’ for trainer Jason Grimson this season, Ima Boxa’s overall record sits at seven wins and a second from eight starts.

With an average winning margin of 13-and-a-half metres, Ima Boxa has sent his opponents to the canvas with ease.

As for his appearance on this evening’s card, the son of Shoobees Place has drawn to lead throughout from barrier four with Cameron Hart in the sulky.

Early wagering markets have the lightly-raced six-year-old listed as a $1.90 favourite, with Oakie Smokeshow considered the main danger at $2.40.

Boasting five wins, four seconds and a third from 10 starts, the promising four-year-old has drawn well in barrier three, with Jye Coney to take the reins.

The Chris Judd-trained son of Bling It On scored in 1:55.1 over 2300 metres at Menangle last weekend.

Later on the program rising star mare Gunna Reload will step up on grade to clash with a solid field of open age mares in the Sibelia Stake.

The premier performer among her crop, Gunna Reload’s victories include the New South Wales Bred Final, Bathurst Gold Bracelet and last season’s Breeders’ Challenge Final for three-year-old fillies.

Winner of her two starts this season, the Peter Rixon-trained daughter of Sweet Lou is fresh from her $100,000 Riverina Championship triumph a fortnight ago.

To be driven by Will Rixon, Gunna Reload is on the third line of TAB Fixed Odds betting at $4.60 from barrier five.

Steno heads the market at $1.90 from gate eight, with Lux Aeterna splitting the pair at $4 from barrier three.

A member of the powerful Luke McCarthy stable, Steno has been runner-up against free-for-all company during her past two starts.

Lux Aeterna has won two of her last three starts, including last month’s Mares’ Classic at Albion Park.

Along with the lion’s share of the prizemoney, the trio are vying for a ‘golden ticket’ into Australasia’s premier mares’ event – Queen Elizabeth II Mile on May 2.

The $200,000 major headlines a stellar Club Menangle program, which includes the New South Wales Pacing and Trotting Oaks and MacArthur Mile…all Group Ones.

A Lady Drivers’ Invitational and the time-honoured Pink Bonnet are part of the support card.

Known as the Pacing For Pink night, the evening supports the McGrath Foundation in its mission to raise awareness and funds for women’s cancer treatment.

HOOFNOTE: This year represents the 70th anniversary of the Pacing Oaks, with Sparkling Sea earning a berth in the Blue Riband thanks to Golden Easter Egg win at Club Menangle last weekend.

Heats for the $200,000 classic are scheduled for ANZAC Day.