Gardoll's ‘Rock' Solid Soldiers Saddle Claims

REG Gardoll expects Monday afternoon’s Bathurst RSL Soldiers Saddle Final (520m) to be won or lost in the all important charge into the first turn.

VETERAN northern rivers trainer Reg Gardoll expects Monday afternoon's Bathurst RSL Soldiers Saddle Final (520m) to be won or lost in the all important charge into the first turn.

Three heats of the $10,000 to-the-winner series were staged last week where just a length separated each of the winners' on the clock.

The Gardoll-trained I'm Zarr Rock posted 30.14, just outside the 30.07 recorded by Still Blue for Paul Roach and 30.08 set by Highly Effective for Darren Sultana.

"I've been training for 50 years and last week's two runners at Bathurst were the first I've had there since back in the 70s," pointed out Gardoll.

"It's a very even final but box eight is my dogs preferred box I'd say so he's in with a chance.

"I expect everyone will know their chances by the first corner; it's only a short run into the bend and a lot of the dogs are very even. I think we went the second quickest first split last week and that was his first run out of the 520m boxes there."

Bred and raced by Col Miller, I'm Zarr Rock, a son of Kinloch Brae and I'm Zarr Dashian, kicked off his career with victory in the Multicam Maiden series (530m) at the Coonamble October long weekend carnival.

"I left him up with Col for the week and he's right to go; he had a handslip Friday," Gardoll said.

"The dog had all his early work at Bathurst so that was one of the main reasons for going to the race. He's a rough chance without being over confident."

In a wide open betting race, four runners are close to joint favouritism, with bookmaker Beteasy installing Highly Effective (box three) at $3.30 just ahead of Still Blue (box one) at $3.60.

Mr. Edward (box five) is $3.90 slightly ahead of I'm Zarr Rock (box eight) at $4.60.

Highly Effective goes into Monday's final eyeing five straight wins for trainer Darren Sultana.

The Londonderry conditioner took out the 2017 Soldiers Saddle with star bitch Sky Wave, the daughter of Don't Knocka Him successful in a race record 29.63.

Enjoying a fantastic start to his career, Highly Effective, a son of Silent Effective, has had the 10 career starts for six wins and three seconds.

Another of the key chances in Monday's final is the Jack Smith-trained Mr. Edward drawn box five.

The younger half-brother to Feral Franky and Good Odds Harada has plenty of ability but does cut hard left at box rise which may pose concern for those drawn to his inside.

MONDAY'S BATHURST FORM

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