Breeders Challenge

July 18th, 2008 by Amanda Rando

Trainer Matthew Harris has not had much experience winning juvenile features. In fact the only top shelf two-year-old event he can recall securing is the 2000 New South Wales Sires' Stake Fillies' Final.

The Junee Reefs mentor is hoping that will change after his classy youngster, Wrek Tangles, competes in Sunday's New South Wales Breeders' Challenge Final at Menangle.

"I haven't won many two-year-old feature races," Harris declared.

"My biggest win was a Sires' Final with Clever Tune in 2000."

Harris' prospects of capturing his second Group One were enhanced after Wrek Tangles drew barrier five.

"I'd prefer to have drawn closer to the inside," Harris said.

"My bloke led from barrier six at Mooney Valley last Friday, so I know he has the gate speed to cross.

"I'm not sure what my plans will be, I'll just have to wait and see how it all pans out.

"Luckily this horse can stay and sprint a bit."

At Menangle last week, Wrek Tangles won his Challenge heat in impressive fashion, beating Watch The Aces and George Dubya, in a fast time of 1:57.8.

Three days later he backed up in the Vicbred Super Series Final at Moonee Valley and was just beaten by the undefeated Living On Fire in a rate of 1:59.6.

"He's really suited by the big Menangle track," Harris stated.

"He surprised me how well he went.

"I was happy with how he went in Melbourne. He has had a fairly hectic schedule, but has pulled up well.

"With 10 days in between races, he will be bright and ready to tackle the race."

Also starting in the $125,000 feature is NSW Sires' Stakes Final winner, Hurricane Jett.

The son of River Khan has drawn outside of Wrek Tangles in barrier six.

Astute reinsman Chris Alford will drive the colt for Victorian trainer, Jayne Davies.

Hurricane Jett must feel like the 1400-metre Menangle circuit is his ësecond home' as he has raced there twice in the last fortnight.

Last week he led in a Challenge heat, only to be beaten in the last stride by Presidentiallegacy in 1:58.

The freshman has since won an Australasian Breeders' Crown heat.

Australian Pacing Gold winner, Emjayem Grand, will start beside Hurricane Jett from gate seven.

The Ben Settree-prepared colt produced a tough effort when defeated in a Challenge heat recently.

First-up from a break, Emjayem Grand was just held out by Captain Joy in a fast 1:55.9.

Captain Joy will start from barrier 10 in the rich decider.

The son of Mach Three is improving with every start, and at Menangle last week was an eye-catching winner of his Australasian Breeders' Crown heat.