Trots

WA Pacing Cup Power Rankings: Week 6

1. Chicago Bull
Previous Ranking: 1st
Last Start: October 30Howard Porter Memorial (1st) 

Outstanding once more on Friday night. Broke their hearts with a 27.5 third quarter and a 26.6 final quarter. He looked to be doing it effortlessly on the line. You can see why Gary Hall Jnr is oozing with confidence with Bully as he edges his way to the Fremantle Cup on November 20. He’s so well placed for the next month. Wonderful opportunity coming up for Stuart McDonald on November 13 when he drives the champion in the absence of Hall Jnr.


2. Shockwave
Previous Ranking: 2nd
Last Start: October 30, Howard Porter Memorial (2nd) 

He was super again on Friday night. He looked for a fleeting moment like he was going to finish third to Jack Farthing but he fought back late to get the bob in for second. Aiden De Campo and Ryan Bell were both glowing in their praise of Shockwave after the race. De Campo said he felt the four-year-old went as well as he has all campaign. Just awaiting that barrier draw.


3. Vampiro 
Previous Ranking: 3rd  
Last Start: October 23, Better Your Club Pace (2nd) 

Holds at three this week. Will more than likely line up this week in what could be his final hit out before the Fremantle Cup. He still looks to be on the right track and in the zone to at least replicate his seconds in last year’s Cups.


4. Mighty Conqueror
Previous Ranking: 4th
Last Start: October 23, Better Your Club Pace (4th) 

He holds again at four. This Friday night could be so critical to his prospects though. He’s looked to be going fairly in his two runs this campaign but not quite at the level we’ve seen from Chicago Bull and Shockwave. He’s got the credits in the bank from last year but it does feel like he enters this week with the most to lose.


5. Galactic Star
Previous Ranking: 5th
Last Start: October 23, Better Your Club Pace (1st) 

He’s another who holds his place this week at five. Rather than being a major player this year he feels like a support act. That role could very well suit him and with the right run throughout he could be very dangerous.


6. Stroke Of Luck
Previous Ranking: Unranked
Last StartOctober 30Retravision Pace (1st  

Comes into the rankings this week for his stablemate Perfect Major. Trainer Ross Olivieri indicated last week the Pacing Cups might come too soon this year. He need not fear though about having a nice horse for the races though because Stroke Of Luck is going beautifully. He sat three-wide over the last lap and beat Patrickthepiranha stylishly. Much like Galactic Star, if he gets a nice trail into the race, good luck holding him out.


Honourable Mentions: Patrickthepiranha finished second to Stroke Of Luck on Friday night and I still feel like he has something to say if he makes the features. Jack Farthing was terrific as he stepped up to Free-For-All company on Friday night. Finished alongside Shockwave, albeit with a nice run, so he’s certainly knocking on the door. Vultan Tin was also good on his return to racing on Friday night so he’s always one that gives a good account of himself in the big races.

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