Horsham owned and trained eight-year-old gelding Fourth In Line put in a tough effort to take out the $7000 Vital Signs Pace at Maryborough last week.

Driver Michael Bellman seized the 1690m sprint-trip ‘by the scruff of the neck’ early on, electing to push forward three wide to the lead with a lap to go and keep them chasing.

Despite doing all the bullocking work, Fourth In Line found plenty up the home straight and held on to score by a short-half-head from Mister Jimaringle, Alex Ashwood, with Emily Vincent a further length away in third place. 

Bred by Robbie Connelly, raced in partnership with his son Jonah and trained by Rod Carberry, Fourth In Line has now notched up six wins and 13 minors from 47 career starts. 

‘I’d be crazy not to’

Great Western driver Kerryn Manning had some quick thinking to do when she got a phone call asking if she would like to drive High Above in the world’s richest harness race, the TAB Eureka Menangle next Saturday.

Manning has driven the exciting colt four times for as many wins. 

The Emma Stewart-trained pacer will race in Saturday’s $2.1 million contest for slot-holders, Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock, and co-owners Warren Stewart and Peter Gleeson.

“Normally it would be an immediate yes,” Manning said. 

“But the Vicbred semi-finals are on at Melton on the same night and I’ll have a few runners as a trainer in those.

“After a bit of thought and lots of help from husband Grant (Campbell), who will hold down the fort for me at home, I’m going to Menangle. 

“It’s such a massive opportunity and I’d be crazy not to go and be part of it. I’m also stoked to be able to keep the drive on High Above, he’s such a talent.”

Manning is one Australia’s most accomplished drivers with almost 4300 wins and 39 at Group One level. – with HRV Media

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