Looking to extend winning form

WITH his team in stellar form, prominent trainer Rickie Alchin hopes the trend can continue when he heads to Club Menangle today.

Alchin’s ‘army’ has registered eight wins during the past week, including the New South Wales Trotters’ Foundation Final at Club Menangle last Saturday night.

Successful in two qualifiers leading into the decider, Hilldale Hilton proved himself King of the series with a faultless display in the $25,000 feature.

With Alchin in the cart, the son of Pastor Stephen completed a seven-and-a-half metre win from Chief Kenny, which has been bridesmaid in five of his six starts.

A stablemate of the winner, Summer Kiss was 18 metres away third with Will Rison holding the reins.

Covering the mile in 1:57.9, the two-year-old took his record to three wins and a third from five starts.

“He’s a very nice type, which has it all going for him,” Alchin said. “He’s got good manners, the right attitude, strength and a decent turn of foot.

“I was pretty confident with him before the race and got even more confident as the race went on.

“He is Queensland-bred, so he’ll head north next for a couple of features up there.”

As for his return to the world class venue, Alchin has three runners engaged at the meeting, including two last start winners.

Triumphant against similar company at Club Menangle last Tuesday, Watts Up The Hill has drawn to notch consecutive wins from barrier two.

Alchin rates the son of What The Hill as his best prospect for the day.

“He’s got the ability,” Alchin said. “He’s only had five starts, so is still learning what racing is about, but I like him.

“I was very happy with his run last week and his work since has been solid.

“He is stepping up from a mile to 2300 metres this time, but I can’t see the extra distance being a problem.”

Alchin will then partner Wamboyneinamerica from gate six over 1609 metres.

The son of Tintin In America scored in a slick 1:54.3 in Newcastle last Friday night.

“He is a very consistent type,” Alchin said. “He’s never far away.

“He’d been runner-up at three of his four starts before the win, so he definitely earned it.

“The draw is a little wide, but he’s a good chance again.”

Among the placegetters at three of her four starts this campaign, Sunlight Stride has a strong opportunity to break her maiden despite drawing awkwardly in barrier five over a mile.

“She had no luck last time around, but her runs before that were promising,” Alchin said. “This looks like a suitable race for her and she should go very close.”