Continuing family connection

VICTORIAN horsewoman Michelle Wight is aiming to become the newest member of her famous clan to etch her name onto one of South Australia’s most prestigious honour rolls.

Set to make the trip across the border for tonight’s Globe Derby program, Wight will contest a Trotters’ Cup heat with handy squaregaiter Maximez.

Should all go according to plan, the duo will progress to next week’s $40,000 Final.

Wight, nee Manning, is the daughter Hall of Famer Peter and sister to the world’s most successful reinswoman Kerryn.

Peter and Kerryn combined to secure the 2006 Cup with Sammy Do Good, while Kerryn was previously successful with La Coocaracha in 2002.

Sammy Do Good also captured the feature previous season with Peter’s son-in-law – Kerryn’s husband – Grant Campbell in the sulky.

Campbell returned seven years later to emerge triumphant with the Danny O’Brien-trained Windinyasoup.

As for Wight’s quest, Maximez has drawn to make his presence felt from the pole in the 2645-metre handicap.

“I’m happy with his draw, but also a bit reserved with it as well,” Wight said. “He is not overly experienced in standing starts, so we’ll have to see how he handles it.

“He is good at starting, but not standing and waiting, so I’m hoping the walk-up method in Adelaide will suit him.

“As far as the horse is concerned, he has pulled up great from his last run, which was his third run back from a spell and has really tightened up.

“He is spot on for this, now we’ll have to hope things go well on the night.”