Countdown to milestone continues

COLOURFUL horseman Kevin Pizzuto will continue his trek towards a personal milestone today.

One of Australia’s most successful trainers in modern times, Pizzuto’s victories include harness racing’s ‘Holy Grail’ – the Inter Dominion.

Pizzuto captured the time-honoured Championship with Tiger Tara, which blitzed his rivals at Tabcorp Park Melton in 2018.

Triumphant in seven Group Ones, Pizzuto’s haul includes the famed A G Hunter and Victoria Cups, Canadian Club Sprint and Newcastle Mile.

Pizzuto has also secured five Group Twos and 37 Group Threes.

As for his pending milestone, Pizzuto is working towards his 1000th win, with his tally sitting on 998 thanks to a double at Club Menangle last Tuesday and a win in Penrith two nights later.

“I wasn’t aware I was getting close to 1000 wins…that’s not bad,” Pizzuto said. “The countdown is on though, so with a bit of luck it won’t be much longer.”

Pizzuto has three runners at Club Menangle this afternoon, including last start winners Choochoo Train and Ooga Chaka.

Listed to be driven by Pizzuto, Choochoo Train has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier four in the fifth event.

Part-owner Wes Komorowski will take the reins behind Ooga Chaka from gate 10 in the last race.

Komorowski guided the son of Art Major to a 1:51.3 victory after finding the lead from barrier nine last week.

“I got a double at Menangle last Tuesday, so if things go our way, we’ll get a double again and reach 1000 in time to celebrate at dinner,” Pizzuto said.