Perseverance might just pay off on Monday when Ominous Warning, owned by Forbes’ Rod and Debbie Wenning in partnership with Bathurst’s Peter Trevor-Jones, contests the Canola Cup.
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The seven-year-old gelding has a history chequered with injury, and has made only 22 starts.
But he just might be hitting his stride, winning six starts in a row including last Sunday’s heat to qualify for Eugowra’s $30,000 long weekend feature pace.
Ominous Warning started last Sunday’s heat from Barrier 1, red-hot favourite at $1.10, but trailed in the opening periods of the race.
That all changed when he hit the front straight for the first time. Driver John O’Shea saw the front and pushed the gelding to the lead, one that he never relinquished.
Ominous Warning was rarely challenged during the rest of the race and cruised home with a 17.1 metre margin.
Although they’re thrilled to have another tilt at Monday’s Canola Cup, connections know the final will be a step up.
“It was a relief [to get through to the final] but that’ll be a different ball game. It’s a pretty strong field and not such a good draw for me, drawing barrier 10,” Trevor-Jones said.
Three Summas, starting from barrier 2, looks to be the horse to beat, and the race has attracted quality pacers and drivers.
And anything can happen on the day.
The Wenning partnership has experienced barrier draw disappointment before, when Ominous Warning’s half brother Beetson drew barrier 9 for Bathurst’s Gold Crown final.
“JT O’Shea pulled out one of the most amazing drives I have ever seen to win the Gold Crown in 2010,” Trevor-Jones recalled.
Beetson also won the Canola Cup with the same team of connections – and the meeting remains a favourite for the trainer.
Regardless of the outcome, he’s thrilled to be heading to Eugowra again with a horse in the main race.
“The Canola Cup is such a fabulous carnival, such a lovely atmosphere,” Trevor-Jones said.
“Hats off to Eugowra, the committee, for such a great day, it’s what harness racing is all about.”
Monday’s fields on page 19.
Gate entry is $10, fashions on the field and entertainment for the family.
