By Paul Courts
HERE is a little brain teaser to wind down the working week…(Note: working week is a Monday to Friday term used by people outside of harness racing).
When was the last time a South Australian trainer won a race at Albion Park, let alone a feature event?
A quick perusal through the online chronicles failed to supply an answer, as did some calls to a few historians!
By the end of tomorrow night’s Albion Park program, visiting horseman Aaron Bain is hoping to be that answer.
Bain has made the long trip from SA to Queensland with promising pacer Ideal World, which is engaged in the Premiers’ Cup.
“I’ve had this race set out for him for a couple of months,” Bain said. “I’ve felt it is the perfect target and test for him, so here we are in Queensland.
“He will stay for a few weeks as there are a couple of other good options for him during the Winter Carnival.”
Successful at eight of his last nine starts, Ideal World has drawn barrier three, but slots into two with the removal of the emergency.
A noted quick beginner, the son of American Ideal is capable of finding the early lead according to Bain.
“I couldn’t be happier with him going into this,” Bain said. “He has settled in brilliantly and has been working great.
“He’s got a good draw, which I plan to make the most of. He has the gate speed to find the pegs early, then we’ll see how the race plays out.
“It’s quite a strong field, with half of them having picket fences next to their names, so it’s going to be a good test to see where he is at.”