Mick Stanley will have four key runners in Saturday’s Vicbred pacing finals at Melton … but it could have been a much different story if not for a cold call to Rob Watson a decade ago.
A cold call to leviathan owner-breeder Rob Watson a decade ago has changed Mick Stanley’s life, not just his career.
The pair are now a juggernaut with four key runners, headed by star filly Soho Americano, in the rich Vicbred pacing finals at Melton on Saturday night.
“I didn’t know Rob, but he was one of six major owners with horses in multiple stables I reached out to and he was the only one who replied … that’s how it all started,” Stanley recalled. “I remember him saying ‘you’re a young guy in the game trying your best and I want to support you’.
“We’ve had some nice horses over the years, but this is by far the best batch yet.
“It makes it so more special sharing big races with Rob given the support he’s shown me and how much he’s put into the game as a whole.” Watson’s support for the industry on so many levels was rewarded in September when he used his $2.1 million TAB Eureka slot on Bay Of Biscay, who brilliantly won the world’s richest harness race at Menangle.
His other highlight this year has been the stellar season of three-year-old filly Soho Americano, who has won 11 races, including the Queensland and Victoria Oaks. She also ran second in the NSW Oaks.
Despite having her first of 19 starts so far this year way back on January 12 when almost unbelievably beaten into second spot at Hamilton, Soho Americano is racing as well as ever. She’s favourite to add the $100,000 Vicbred 3YO Fillies’ final at Melton on Saturday night.
Soho Americano gives the trainer/driver combination of Michael Stanley and Luke McCarthy a feature double with victory in the G1 Prydes Easifeed Victoria Oaks Final at Melton tonight.
“It’s a really big year, but we’ve grabbed little freshen-ups here and there. She’s got such a good constitution and is a great doer,” Stanley said.
“She’s come through last week well, worked strongly this morning (Tuesday) and will go into the race as good as she’s been all season.
“I thought she’d be the one to beat from anywhere, but now she’s had some luck with the draw, too (gate three).”
Luke McCarthy, who has driven her to win the Queensland and Victoria Oaks, will jet back from driving in Christchurch on Friday night to team up with Soho Americano again.
“Forget about last week, she kicked a wheel, over-raced badly and cost herself any chance,” Stanley said. “She’s my best of the night.”
The other key Vicbred final for Stanley is the 2YO colts and geldings where Stanley has three runners – Soho Park Avenue, Soho Trump and Soho Charmer – all owned and bred by Watson.
Usyk (Russell Jack/Nathan Jack), Soho Park Avenue (Michael Stanley), Soho Trump (Michael Stanley/Chris Alford) and Luvtobeuptome (Courtney Slater/Josh Duggan) were the winners of the APG Yearling Sales Vicbred Super Series heats for the 2YO Colts & Geldings at Bendigo last night.
“That’s a heck of a three to get three into the final, all for Rob. And they’re three lovely young horses, too,” Stanley said.
“There’s not a lot between them, especially the way the draws have fallen, but I’d say Soho Trump is the best on sheer ability. I’m leaning towards driving him.
“Luke (McCarthy) really likes ‘Park Avenue’ and has driven him a bit, so he’ll be on him again. It’ll be Anthony Butt or Chris Alford on ‘Charmer’.”
Stanley also has two finalists – Sao Paolo Simba and Coastal Drive – in the 3YO colts and geldings final, along with Enola in the 2YO fillies’ final.
“Sao Paola Simba and Coastal Drive are nice horses, but will need some luck from back row draws. They’re certainly good enough if the race is run to suit,” he said.
“Enola has the gate speed to get a spot and can run a place with the right trail,” he said.
· Adam Hamilton is a paid contributor writing on harness racing for News Corp.
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