3 minute read
Champion reinsman Gary Hall Jnr has declared Never Ending has what it takes to be considered one of the great pacers by the end of his career.
The Justin Prentice-trained pacer travelled to Sydney last week ahead of his tilt at the $2.1 million Eureka next month.
Hall Jnr, who makes his return to driving after suspension at Gloucester Park tomorrow night, is set to travel to Sydney next week to drive Never Ending in his final run before the Eureka.
Despite not driving Never Ending this campaign, Hall Jnr said he had been impressed by each of his three runs.
"I thought he's been very good," Hall Jnr told TAB radio.
"He's taking the steps we thought he would be.
"It's always hard for them to step up to free-for-all and maintain that level of confidence.
"They don't get things handed to them because they're not the standout anymore.
"It's been pretty good to watch."
Never Ending returned with a breathtaking win in last month's Winter Cup (2536m), followed by another win and a credible runner-up performance behind Tenzing Bromac.
The four-year-old's Perth form has seen him vault to $3.25 TAB touch favouritism for the Eureka, ahead of Don Hugo ($4.50) and Captains Knock ($7).
Hall Jnr said all signs pointed towards Never Ending announcing himself as one of the pre-eminent pacers in the Eureka.
"While this race won't be the be all and end all of his career, I think he's got the potential to be one of the greats," he said.
"He looks like he's developing an element of toughness, which we always hoped he would.
"I think he can go all the way and I think he's got the right attributes to go all the way."
Hall Jnr is no stranger to big race success at Menangle, having won the 2013 Inter Dominion with Im Themightyquinn at the track.
He also ventured to Menangle and drove the Prentice-trained Mighty Ronaldo to finish third in the 2022 APG Gold Bullion.
Hall Jnr will get his first chance to drive in the World's richest harness race and said he expected the excitement to build as the race approached.
"It's not something you think about when you're out there," he said.
"The lead-up is another thing to consider.
"One or two of Quinny's Inters were around the million-dollar mark and I remember those races being talked about a lot.
"I hope I get my eye back in to do the horse justice."
The $2.1 million Eureka will take place on September 7.
