CAPTION: Luke McCarthy has a good chance to win with driving Express Pass in the seventh race at Newcastle today. PHOTO: Sean Cunningham
Preview: Newcastle August 21
August 21, 2017 National Trotguide
CROSS, MCCARTHY LOOKING TO STRIKE GOLD
THE successful pairing of trainer Craig Cross and driver Luke McCarthy look set to produce a winning start with Strawberry Stride in the opening race at Newcastle today (Monday).
The three-year-old filly will have to overcome her wide draw, but should have the early speed to take the lead.
The daughter of Bettors Delight is chasing back-to-back wins at Newcastle.
The two-year-olds will contest the second race, which includes several horses making their debuts.
It may be better to stick with the experienced horses which have had a few runs, such as trainer Darren McCall’s Ichiba Newy, which could improve on her third placing during her debut at the Menangle track last week.
The Cross and McCarthy partnership could go close in the third race with Rocknroll Doug, although they face a stiff challenge from trainer Paul Fitzpatrick’s Pay Me Sam, which ran a decent time of 1:52.70 seconds when placing third to Vettel at Menangle last week.
Son Of A Star and Dark Falcon could fight out the finish in the fourth race which includes numerous chances in an open race.
Trainer KerryAnn Turner’s Glenferrie Bunter should take some holding out in the fifth race with the in-form Jack Trainor in the gig, however Fitzpatrick could play a role in the finish yet again with his four-year-old gelding Senor Macray.
Sparkling Tachyon could make the most of a good draw for Cross and McCarthy in the sixth race.
Following a stint racing in Queensland, the daughter of Mach Three will be hoping to win in her first look at the Newcastle circuit.
Express Pass looks a good chance to record her ninth career victory in the penultimate race to give Cross and McCarthy another winner at this meeting.
Since returning from a spell, Ballymore Boy has been racing well with four minor placings, including a runner-up spot at Newcastle earlier this month and could give Turner a victory to close the meeting in the final race.
The first of an eight-race card is scheduled to start at 1.07pm.
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