Queensland star Sure Thing Captain eyes Eureka spot in Racenet Discovery

The chase for the remaining TAB Eureka slot will be on in earnest at Menangle on Saturday night in the Racenet Discovery.

Sure Thing Captain will be chasing a berth in the TAB Eureka at Menangle on Saturday night

QUEENSLAND trainer Shannon Price has fond memories of TAB Eureka night last year, but wants to raise the bar this time.

Price won the consolation of the TAB Eureka – The Stockade – with Sure Thing Captain in 2023, but thinks she can win the big one itself next Saturday night.

But first, Sure Thing Captain needs to get his ticket in.

His last chance to do that comes in tomorrow night’s (Saturday) very strong Racenet Discovery Stakes at Menangle, the race TAB is using to fill its slot – the last spot remaining – in next Saturday’s $2.1 million feature.

It’s a last-ditch attempt Price is both grateful for but equally frustrated about.

“Look, it’s great to have this chance to still get in because less than two months ago, we thought our TAB Eureka dream was over,” she said.

“He developed an ulcer in his throat that was impacting his breathing and they said he’d need surgery.

“We missed a couple of big races during the Brisbane carnival while they treated him and assessed him, but in the end they said he didn’t need surgery and we could start working him again.

“So, here we are, trying to make up for lost time but also thinking he may well have already secured a slot if he didn’t have that setback.”

Sure Thing Captain’s three runs back from the setback have been outstanding, including a second to buzz pacer Major Moth and a sparkling Albion Park win.

“He’s ready. He’s a much better horse than he was 12 months ago. Adam (Sanderson, driver) said he’d developed into a real racehorse now,” Price said.

“The draw has been pretty kind (three). I’m glad we’re inside Captain Hammerhead (five) because he looks the hardest to beat. Our guy gets out quickly and he’s versatile enough to lead and hold the front if that’s what Adam wants to do.”

Captain Hammerhead is $1.80 favourite ahead of Sure Thing Captain at $3.20.

Sure Thing Captain is one of three runners – all strong winning chances – Price has at Menangle on Saturday night.

“Speak The Truth is first-up, but he seems really well and he goes great fresh. He’ll be hard to beat despite the wide draw and needs the run to top him off for the (Group 1) Len Smith Mile next week,” she said.

“I think our trotter (Is That A Bid) will be very hard to beat in the last race, too. I thought he’d get at least a 20m handicap, but he only got 10m so he’s incredibly well in.”

· Adam Hamilton is a paid contributor writing on harness racing for News Corp.

Originally published as Queensland star Sure Thing Captain eyes Eureka spot in Racenet Discovery