National Trotguide
BACK IN ACTION AT MENANGLE: Captains Knock.

Captains’ chasing Challenge clean sweep

Paul Courts

EXCITING two-year-old Captains Knock is considered a strong chance of completing a clean sweep of the New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge.

A winner at his past four outings, the son of Captaintreacherous has captured a heat and semi of the futurity, earning him a berth in Saturday night’s $150,000 Final at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Along with his strong form, Captains Knock’s chances have been enhanced by a favourable draw, with the Australian Pacing Gold purchase receiving barrier four.

The Brad Hewitt-trained colt slots into three with the removal of the emergency.

Captains Knock will be joined by his stablemate, Mick Danger, which will begin from barrier eight.

A consistent colt, Mick Danger gained his position in the Group One via a third in his heat and a solid fourth during the semis.

Later on the card Hewitt will also be represented by Hez Dusty in the Final for four-year-old entires and geldings.

“It is certainly going to be great to be a part of such a big night,” Hewitt said. “Having a runner involved in the Breeders’ Challenge Finals is always great, so for me to be lining up three runners is very satisfying.

“We had a bit of luck with Captains Knock drawing so well. He has really stepped up to the mark over the past few months and is ready to run another good race on Saturday.

“Mick Danger is a quality animal as well and is not out of place in this Final.

“He has been super in all of his runs, and although he will start as an outsider, he should not be written off.”

Hez Dusty has drawn the outside of the back line – gate 12 – against a hot field, however, Hewitt believes the gelding can cause an upset with the right amount of luck.

“I know we are going to be a fair way off the speed, but he is quite talented and loves Menangle,” Hewitt said. “If he gets the right run, he will be steaming home.

“The mobile configuration whereby only eight start from the front line does aid our chances. If we can just tuck in off the speed, we should secure a good trip.”

  • MICHAEL DUMESNY