Second row draw for Son Of Mac in Alabar Classic

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Kyle Marshall is gearing up for his move across the Tasman next month but before then he has got more pressing matters at home.

The Cambridge horseman is moving his training operation to Cranbourne in Victoria.

“We have got a couple of races here to focus on before getting them on a plane, so we are looking forward to them.”

One of those races is the Group 2 Alabar 3YO Classic (2200m) at Alexandra Park on Friday night where the stable will be represented by in-form pacer Son Of Mac.

The American Ideal colt has been in great form this preparation, downing Merlin first-up at Cambridge Raceway last month before he was a brave fourth behind the Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan-trained runner in the Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 3YO C&G Final (2200m) after sitting parked.

“They were both good runs and when he sat parked that was a hard effort to overcome. He didn’t let us down, Merlin is a superstar,” Marshall said.

Son Of Mac has drawn the inside of the second row on Friday and Marshall is happy enough with that marble.

“He has drawn one the second row. I would have rather drawn there than eight,” Marshall said.

Son Of Mac is currently at $11, with the Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained duo of Sherlock ($1.65) and Sherlock ($5) dominating the market.

“He will get a nice, economical run and he deserves a run like that. I am sure when the gaps open up Tony Herlihy (driver) will take them.”

Marshall will also be represented by Wharewhiti who will take on three other runners in The Alex Bar & Eatery Mobile Pace (2200m), his first raceday start in more than a year.

“He has had a few little niggles but seems in good order now,” Marshall said. “There are only four left in it, so we will be coming home with more.”