Hoping for happy homecoming

MATT Maguire is hoping for a happy homecoming this weekend.

Returning from a stint in Victoria, Maguire is poised to contest the Gramel Trotters’ Cup with former Victorian, Blue Sparkler.

Named in honour of the finest squaregaiter to come out of South Australia, the Cup is scheduled to be staged at Globe Derby on Saturday night.

Sponsored by Aldebaran Park, the feature offers a $2000 service voucher to leading trotting sire Skyvalley or Aldebaran Eagle on top of the prizemoney.

Part-owned by Maguire, Blue Sparkler returned from a five-month break for a handy fifth at Ballarat a fortnight ago.

The son of Danny Bouchea won his three previous starts when prepared by Emma Stewart.

“I saw him advertised and asked Chris Neilson if he wanted to go in a cheap one with me and so we bought him,” Maguire said.

“I sent him to Emma for a while to try and get his bonus and he won three of his four starts with her.

“I’ve been very happy with his work since we’ve been here and expect him to run a solid race.”

To be driven by leading reinsman Wayne Hill, Blue Sparkler will come from three on the front row which should see the gelding settle prominent early.

Despite the four-year-old taking on more seasoned rivals, Maguire is confident Blue Sparkler can play a role in the finish.

“He’s only had 14 starts so is like a teenager taking on the men,” Maguire said. “If he races up to his best he will be more than competitive.

“Champagne Prince is the one to beat even from his 20-metre mark, but if Wayne can find the front and run along at a steady tempo he’ll be hard to run down.”