3 minute read
Trainer Lindsay Harper’s hopes of winning another feature four-year-old race have been diminished, but not completely extinguished ahead of Friday’s North Coast Fibreglass 4YO Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
Chivalry is Harper's lone representative in the feature event, having finished fourth to stablemate Ok Boomer in the 4YO Championship a fortnight ago.
Ok Boomer was a noticeable absentee from the acceptances for Friday's $125,000 event, with Harper indicating his charge had a "little setback" following the 4YO Championship.
Harper was still confident Ok Boomer would be fine able to take his place in next month's Golden Nugget (2536m).
Ok Boomer's absence, combined with the presence of WA Pacing Cup runner-up Mister Smartee in the event has ensured Harper will have his work cut out to score another win.
Harper and Chivalry's chances of playing a significant role in the feature event were boosted by drawing barrier one earlier in the week.
In a further good sign for Chivalry's chances, Harper said he expected improvement from the son of Sweet Lou on Friday.
"I think he's been a little bit disappointing his last few starts," Harper told Racing WA Harness.
"I think if he had had been right in the last race he possibly should've won it.
"I was at my wits end with him, so I took him to the vet and found a couple of issues that I didn't see.
"I think he's turned the corner now and improved from last start."
While Chivalry drew kindly, leading chances Sorridere and Mister Smartee also drew well enough in barrier three and four respectively to land prominent positions in the run.
Mister Smartee is the $1.38 favourite with TABtouch for the event, with Sorridere($3.50) and Lusaka ($7.50) considered the other key chances.
Chivalry is rated a $41 chance.
Harper said while Chivalry seemed to be coming into good form, it would be difficult to beat Mister Smartee.
"He worked the best he's ever worked the other morning," he said.
"He's got good gate speed when he's right.
"I'd like to lead, but I think Mister Smartee will make it hard.
"He looks head and shoulders above these."
Friday night's 4YO Classic gets underway at 7.53.
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