By Michael Court
No one enjoys capturing a feature race at Menangle more than a Queenslander.
Except, perhaps, a Kiwi.
Both might occur - at once - in Saturday's feature at Tabcorp Park Menangle when Adam Sanderson hits town to partner the promising pacer Sure Thing Captain for Shannon Price in race five, the $50,000 Club Menangle Simpson Memorial.
That’s because Sanderson is a former Kiwi, from Invercargill in the South Island, who now lives and works in Queensland, where has made a name for himself among the top echelon of their drivers.
He is the stable driver for Price and is hoping he can leave town with a couple of wins when he competes at Australia’s best harness track on Saturday.
“I’ve had a couple of winners there but I’ve only had a handful of drives there,” he said.
“Hopefully Sure Thing Captain can take the form he has shown up here and continue winning.
“The draw helps, especially around there.
“Obviously the talent is there but he still has a lot to learn and we are hoping he can step up.
“I think he’ll love the track. Last start he sat parked around Albion Park and still went 1:52, so it is going to take a pretty good one to beat him.
“I haven’t really called on his gate speed that much yet, but last start he got out in 26.4s around Albion, so I don’t think that will be a problem.”
Sanderson will also drive Sumomentsomewhere for Price in race seven.
“His recent runs were OK, without being as good as he can go,” he said.
“He can improve. He likes to sit back and get over the top of them.
“I thought that field lacked a bit of depth, although he is better off not doing too much early over the longer trip.
“On his best form he should be right in the mix.”
Sanderson arrives on Saturday morning after a busy day at Albion Park on Friday evening and will head straight back early Sunday morning.
“We had the sales here the other day so we have some yearlings we have to start working with,” he said.
“Shannon is my main stable and I drive for her at most meetings, but I usually pick up a few drives from other trainers whenever I go to the track.
“I love it here in Queensland; I’m glad I made the move here.”