Chicago Bull Ramps Up Victoria Preparations

Posted on September 20, 2018 | Posted by Tim Walker

Star pacer Chicago Bull will ramp up his preparation for an impending east coast campaign when he lines up in the Group 2 Navy Cup (2130m) at Gloucester Park tomorrow night.

The six-year-old was given a two week freshen-up following his win on August 31 and will make a cameo appearance prior to his departure on October 10 for the Victoria Cup three days later.

Trainer Gary Hall Snr has mapped out a two race program in Perth for Chicago Bull prior to his departure; the Navy Cup, and the Stratton Cup on October 5.

“He’s really good and is going along nicely,” Hall Snr said.

“He’s in career best form and hopefully he can continue on his way.

Harness expert Adam Hamilton said now was the perfect time for Chicago Bull to make his first venture to the east coast under the care of Hall Snr.

“It’s a good time for him to be leaving home for the first time,” he told TABradio.

“The stocks are thin around Australia and he’s a very serious horse.

“All the signs are that he’s better than ever.

“This is at a time where we are looking for horses to emerge rather than having to deal with established super stars.”

Chicago Bull has been installed a $1.14 TABtouch favourite for tomorrow night’s feature event, ahead of Rock Diamonds at $8, while The Bucket List is the only other runner in single figure odds at $9.50.

Gary Hall Jnr takes the reins on Chicago Bull once again and will start from barrier seven, while Hall Snr’s other runner in the race Runrunjimmydunn has barrier eight.

Hall Snr said he expected Rock Diamonds would provide the stiffest opposition to Chicago Bull tomorrow night and indicated his two runners would likely drift back to the rear of the field in the early stages.

Another of Hall Snr’s up and coming stars Speed Man is expected to also start a short price favourite tomorrow night in the 2017/18 GP Junior Driver Of The Year Pace (2130m).

Speed Man ran a game second to Motu Premier last week in what was an enthralling battle in the home straight.

Hall Snr said he was happy with Speed Man’s performance last week and expected him to be going one step better tomorrow night from barrier two.

“I thought he had it won last week,” he said.

“Motu Premier is a good horse and was competitive in the Inters so I thought it was a good run.

“He resents the whip, so we now will only use it as an absolute last resort.

“If Sokys Bigbullet hands up tomorrow night, I think he will be winning.”

Tomorrow night’s Gloucester Park meeting gets underway at 5.20, with the Navy Cup to get underway at 7.24.