Hot Field For Inaugural Running Of The Horizon

COUNTRY Cups hero Ferdinand Boy will spearhead next Sunday's inaugural running of The Horizon (440m) following an electrifying heat victory at Sale on Sunday night.

But the son of Fernando Bale won't get it all his own way with a hot field of sprinters qualifying for the $25,000-to-the-winner finale.  

Ferdinand Boy, winner at 21 of his 37 starts for trainer David Geall, carved out a sizzling 24.60 to win heat three by 1 ¼ lengths over Aussie Secret.

The time was the quickest of the four heats and after drawing box two for the final, it's anticipated the Shepparton and Ballarat Cup hero will start favourite for the decider.

It was just last month that Sale GRC Operations Manager Rob Popplestone announced that The Horizon (440m) was joining the club's list of feature races.

"We have high hopes that, in the years ahead, The Horizon will qualify for Group 3 status," Popplestone said.

And if the star quality of the inaugural running this Sunday is any indication, The Horizon looks destined for Group status sooner rather than later.

The final heat on Sunday was annexed by Dr. Tucker for trainer Bill McMahon, toughing it out for a gritty 24.83 victory.

Winner of the Group 3 Great Chase earlier in the year at The Meadows, Dr. Tucker is on the comeback trail from injury with Sunday's Sale success another giant leap forward.

The son of Bernardo will exit box eight in the final where he is certain to be well supported in betting.

The first heat went the way of Omega Dodge for Matt Clark in 24.76, getting the better of three-time Group race finalist Dream Wizard by a neck on the line.

The result in heat three was a lot more clear-cut with Papi Go Fast qualifying for another big race finale with an authoritative three-length victory in 24.83 over Dr. Madison.

The powerhouse heat victory extended Papi Go Fast's record to 20 wins from 36 starts and despite drawing box six, he goes into the final with undeniable claims.

Box Draw – The Horizon (440m)

1. Dream Wizard
2. Ferdinand Boy
3. Aussie Secret
4. Dr. Madison
5. Massimo
6. Papi Go Fast
7. Omega Dodge
8. Dr. Tucker