Eight race program tonight.
It is only fitting that the Parkes Harness Racing Club should honour the memory of the late Henry McDermott, as it was at the Parkes track that the exceptionally talented horseman made a name for himself.
The McDermott name was legendary in the Western District with Henry reaching the pinnacle of his career after leaving Parkes and heading to Longlea in Victoria where he became one of that state’s leading trainer-drivers.
Arguably the best horse he trained was Gosh but names like Derby winner Quambys Pride and the many Waikare horses that he trained for the late Ron Rich remain vivid in one’s mind.
And who could forget Ron Musgrave and Alan Green’s top horse Merlyn Adios – the list goes on and on.
Maybe the 10 horses contesting tonight’s feature could not be mentioned in the same breath as Henry’s former stars but it is a handy field just the same.
Nathan and Kevin Hurst have been having a great run of late and they have McArmbro engaged in the Memorial being run over the 2040 metre trip.
This consistent four year old has not won a race this time in but has been placed at four of his past six starts, his latest run being at Menangle on Friday night where he finished third in a Country Final.
Smart three year old Major Shannon (Peter Bullock) has drawn well in barrier one and although he mixes his form is in this race right up to his ears.
Forbes mare, Fromelles (Jason Gaffney) is a tough type and scored impressive wins at Dubbo and Junee before having no luck in a race at Bathurst.
Racing gets underway at 6.12pm with the TAB.COM.AU Pace (2040m) and the John Lew trained Imposing Sign (John O’Shea) is chasing a hattrick of wins here.
He has been impressive in his wins at Parkes and Bathurst during the past fortnight and should be prominent from the outset.
Liv Ambition (Jason Gaffney) was equally as impressive in scoring at Parkes on February 10 and has the speed to lead.
In Damascus (David Harris) is dropping a long way in grade and should get a nice run on the back of the likely pacemakers.
He was a Parkes winner three starts back and has strong claims to return to the winner’s circle.
Team Hurst is likely to have another good night out at Parkes and Getaloadathis does appear to be the one to beat in the STARSTABLE.COM. AU Pace (2040m).
He won at Parkes and Tamworth during January and then got back into winning mode at Young on Saturday night when he accounted for a smart field.
Placid Art (Amanda Turnbull) was a Dubbo winner on February 3 and wasn’t far away when third at Young on Carnival Of Cups night.
She is the main danger while My Happy Chappy should be kept under notice as he is from the strong Jackson Painting stable.
Go Scotty (Trent Rue) has drawn nicely in barrier three for the Jason Oliver 3yo Pace (2040m) and is one of two strong chances that Parkes mentor, Terry Powter has in the event.
He has been a model of consistency and has won three races here at Parkes this season.
Ima Pleasure (Amanda Turnbull) has done all her racing at Bathurst, winning two and being placed twice at her past four starts.
She is the main threat to Go Scotty while others with claims include Triple Fire Fast (Jackson Painting), Scots Legacy (Greg Rue), Blue Chip Memories (Michelle Crook) and Slick Trump (John O’Shea).
What more can be said about the deeds of bonny mare, Strong Sapphire on the Parkes Paceway.
She secured her second Parkes track record on February 10 rating 1.55.9 and has an unbelievable record on this track.
Tonight she contests that Sky Vision In TAB APP Pace (2040m) and should be winning again.
Aurora Swift (Amanda Turnbull) is the danger following a good second placing at Young last weekend while Warieda Lad (Andrew Brooks) was far from disgraced when he led the field in that record breaking race last meeting.
Allmouth N Trousers could make it a big night for Nathan Hurst as he is the on top selection in the TAB Sportsbet Pace (2040m).
He has been just behind the placegetters in a number of Bathurst outings and this race isn’t that strong.
Stanley Vale (John O’Shea) scored a soft win at Dubbo two starts back but was disappointing at Bathurst last start.
At his best he is a hope along with Machs On Show (Jane Winnell) and Cam Pacific (Steve Dowton).
It will be the first time that we have seen the youngsters at Parkes in 2012 and it is hard to assess the form of the Uncle Ray “Divot” Myers 2yo Pace (1660m).
Imposing Molly (John O’Shea) ran a nice third on debut at Bathurst while Steve and Josh Turnbull each have two runners engaged.
The TAB Number 1 Club Pace (2040m) closes off the program at 9.40pm and Parkes owned and Dubbo trained mare, Ellamojo (Garth Hoy) is chasing a hattrick of wins following two Dubbo successes.
She is resuming from a letup here but has class on her side.
Smooth Maestro (David Harris) is also racing very well without winning and is a danger along with the consistent Turnbull pair, Spirit Of The Bush and Six Degrees.
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