Masterful drive by Dylan Egerton-Green puts five-year-old in cup double conversation

Five-year-old Ideal Agent rocketed into contention for a rich cups double when driven skilfully by Dylan Egerton-Green to win Friday night’s $30,000 Free-For-All (2536m) at Gloucester Park.

Ideal Agent, who started at $9.80, swept down the outside and scored by a half-head from $3.10 favourite Prince Of Pleasure while Minstrel ($4) ran a close third.

Egerton-Green settled Ideal Agent in sixth position after drawing gate 10 and the horse unleashed a powerful finishing burst when edged into clear running near the home turn.

Co-trainer Greg Bond said New Zealand import Ideal Agent, who rated 1:57.7, would be full steam ahead to the $300,000 Fremantle Pacing Cup on January 13 and $450,000 WA Pacing Cup two weeks later.

“That win should have ensured he’s done enough to qualify for starts in the cups,” Bond said.

“Ideal Agent has big potential and will keep improving. He’s capable of being a top cups prospect, if drawing favourable barriers.”

Ahead of his event on Friday night, Ideal Agent looked a doubtful cups qualifier. Gloucester Park races have a 12-horse safety limit and Ideal Agent was only No. 19 in the Racing and Wagering WA cups order of entry.

On the strength of his free-for-all victory, Ideal Agent will almost certainly be elevated into the leading 12 qualifiers when RWWA harness racing manager Nathan Scott issues an updated order of entry next week.

Bond, who trains in partnership with wife Skye, said Ideal Agent’s preparation would be specifically designed to have him at peak form in the cups double.

“He slipped down the cups order of entry when unplaced in his three races leading up to tonight’s free-for-all,” Bond said.

“But when those few performances are closely analysed, a lot merit can be found in his runs.”

The Bonds will consider paying a $5500 late entry free to include their classy four-year-old Himself in the cups.

A winning hat-trick was completed by Himself when he held off challenges in the $23,750 Nullabor Pace (2130m) on Friday night, about 30 minutes before the free-for-all.

“Himself’s form is highly impressive and we’re keen to also have him in the big races,” Bond said.

“But we’ll leave it a little longer, just to check he is holding top form, before we pay a non-refundable cups late entry fee.”

Meanwhile, champion reinsman Chris Lewis predicted a bright future for Three Rumours after her fighting win as a $2.70 fancy in the $30,000 Coulson Fillies and Mares Pace (2130m) on Friday night.

“It was a courageous effort,” Lewis said. “She’ll go on to win better races.”

Three Rumours endured a tough run outside pacemaker Miss Boudica before lifting to score from Nevermindthechaos and Misstiano.