Reliable gelding shoots for consecutive salutes

Michael Callegari’s reliable gelding Sammys Ideal will be aiming for consecutive wins when he tackles Friday night’s Tabtouch Community Pace (2569m) at Donaldson Park. The six-year-old has been consistent across regional venues this season, although his regular driver Trent Wheeler will be piloting Diamond Dove, who will line up alongside him. Another to consider is Henwood Bay, trained by Errol Ashcroft, who will benefit from an excellent draw. Should Donald Harper get him to fire from the start, the four-year-old should be able to have the race on his terms, although he will need to put aside Saturday’s disappointing eighth to Ultimate Offer in the Coprice Pace (2100m). An intriguing battle also looms in the Pepsi Max Pace (1609m) between Mark Johnson and Aimee-Lee Wood, who will feel confident about their respective chances. Wood, who has enjoyed success piloting Stephen Reed’s five-year-old Lord Rosco in Bunbury this month, will take the reins behind his stablemate Pocket The Cash, who cruised to an all-the-way win by 9.5m at Pinjarra on Sunday. Johnson has been given the task of piloting Rocknroll Rhylee, whose last win came at Collie on March 8. Since then, the six-year-old has shown some glimpses of form, particularly in standing start-based events, but no wins to show for his efforts. David Young will also be hoping his enigmatic mare Kata Noi Beach can fire in the Sky Racing Pace (2100m) following two disappointing runs after a sterling victory in Bunbury on May 8. During that particular victory, Madeleine Young managed to get her off the rail and into a three-wide position with 600m to travel, which ensured she could compete in the closing stages. Coupled by this, the tempo was ideal for her, which made for a perfect storm. But you can be sure both trainer and driver will be determined to replicate the effort without having to rely on luck to fall into their favour.