Looking to close the premiership gap

PROMINENT horseman Shane Loone will be looking to close the premiership gap during tonight’s Globe Derby meeting.

Enjoying a strong season with his boutique stable, Loone is sitting third on the South Australian Trainers’ Premiership with 34 wins.

Frank Pullicino sits at the head of affairs with 46 victories, with Ryan Hryhorec splitting the pair with 37 wins.

“It’s been a good year as far as the horses are concerned,” Loone said. “We’ve been getting a win at about every nine or so starts and been in the top four on 45 per cent of our starts.

“I’ve got Dani (Hill) driving my two main chances and if you want to talk about per centage, look at hers.

“She wins at every third drive and is in the top four nearly 70 per cent of her drives.

“I’d stack her up against any driver in Australasia.

“Hopefully we’ll both have a couple more in the win column by the end of the weekend.”

Loone and Hill have combined to score with Celestial Daybreak during the gelding’s last two starts and are favourites to complete the hat-trick from the pole.

It’s the third time the nine-year-old has registered consecutive wins from 263 starts, but has yet to manage a hat-trick.

“He gets his chance for a threepeat on tonight,” Loone said. “He’s drawn to lead all the way.”

Later on the card Hill will partner the Loone-trained Crookwell Jake, which is also chasing a hat-trick.

The son of Rock N Roll Heaven has won four of his six starts since joining Loone’s stable.

“He has done a terrific job since being here,” Loone said. “From barrier two tonight it’s hard to see him being beaten.”