Hoping to break two-year drought in $100,000 Final

ANYTIME is a great occasion to break a long drought from the winners’ circle, but for the connections of consistent pacer Jasper Styles, this weekend would be perfect.

Although he has been among the placegetters during 15 of his last 25 starts across two seasons, Jasper Styles hasn’t scored since emerging triumphant in Newcastle on June 4, 2021.

Thanks to his customary honest performance last week when third in the Regional Hunter Championship, the Geoffrey Harding-trained gelding has qualified for Saturday night’s Regional State Championship at Club Menangle.

“He never puts in a bad run,” Harding said. “He’s as honest as the day is long, but is having trouble getting that elusive win out of the way.

“He’s earned more than $30,000 in the past 18 months without winning, so he’s more than paying his way…I wouldn’t complain if I had a stable full of horses like him!

“Saturday night is a big test for him and he will need luck, especially from the draw.

“I was hoping he would draw closer to the pegs, but it is what it is.”

To be driven by Sean Grayling, Jasper Styles was allocated barrier eight, but slots into seven as a result of a scratching.

TAB Fixed Odds have the son of Tiz A Masterpiece among the outsiders at $41, with Gordons Bay the $2.40 favourite.

Successful in last week’s Regional Metropolitan Championship at Menangle, Gordons Bay will begin from gate five for Inter Dominion winning horseman, James Rattray.

“If he got out a few steps earlier I think he would’ve won the other Final last week, but that’s racing,” Harding said. “This will be a lot harder again and if he runs in the first four I’ll be pretty happy.

“If he happens to win, that’ll be another story all together.”