Trainer’s sacrifice to limit travel footprint

HARD-WORKING mum Alyce Finnis hopes Wolf Of West Bay and Juddy Douglas can complete a successful last start for the stable during the weekend.

With restrictions tightening due to the Coronavirus pandemic Finnis has elected to send the promising pacers to another trainer.

Given the long drive from Mount Gambier to compete at Globe Derby, Finnis decided the switch is the best move for her family, owners and the industry.

As such Wolf Of West Bay and Juddy Douglas will join David Harding’s team following their appearance at the home of South Australian racing on Saturday night.

“We can’t travel into Victoria which is understandable and it is a long drive to Globe Derby which doesn’t help reducing our footprint at this time,” Finnis explained.

“So to keep the horses races but limit our travelling too far the decision was made to send them to another stable.

“We’ll give them one more run on Saturday night then come home without them.”

To Finnis’ delight Wolf Of West Bay has drawn to depart on a high note.

Taking advantage of Brodie Webster’s concession claim, Wolf Of West Bay has drawn to lead throughout from barrier two.

The son of Art Major is first-up since his luckless appearance in the South Australia Derby on February 8.

“He’s been working well and should run a good race,” Finnis said. “If he can find the front he will be very hard to run down.”

Returning from a five-month absence, Juddy Douglas faces a trickier task from gate eight.

“He has worked up quite nicely and should be in the mix,” Finnis said. “The draw could make it difficult on him as it is hard to say where he will settle in the run.”