Quinnie dishes out sting of his own
Star pacer Im Themightyquinn shrugged off a pre-race scare to win brilliantly in rain-swept conditions and highlight a six-victory haul for top trainer Gary Hall at Gloucester Park tonight.
Im Themightyquinn was found to have an insect bite when arriving at the course and stewards ordered a veterinary examination before he was cleared to start.
"He had swelling on a rib cage area," Hall said. "It looked like a bee sting. Whatever it was, Quinnie wasn't affected.
"He's as good as ever. I've never seen him race better.
"Quinnie's not suited by leading, but tonight showed he's now settling in front.
"In the past, he has pulled when leading."
Hall said nine-year-old Im Themightyquinn would make a rare country appearance when contesting Monday week's $50,000 Pinjarra Cup (2692m).
He and stablemate Alta Christiano will then tackle Queensland's winter carnival.
Hall's six winners tonight followed his five Gloucester Park wins on the past two Fridays. No previous trainer has matched Hall's dominance of Perth trotting.
Im Themightyquinn ($1.10) raced through heavy rain when an all-the-way winner of the Gloucester Standardbreds Pace (2130m).
He rated 1:54.5 in scoring by 17.5m from Crombie ($18.00), with Polak ($18.10) a head back in third place.
Alta Christiano ($1.20) rated 1:56.7 when winning the Milne Feeds Pace (2536m) by 19m from Pride Of Colorado ($33.40). Anvils Big Punt ($73.60) was another 5m away in third place.
Hall said Alta Christiano would tackle next Friday's $25,000 Pure Steel Final (2130m).
Hall's other winners last night were My Hard Copy ($1.30), Famous Alchemist ($1.90), Notabadexcuse ($3.90) and Ben Cartwright ($3.50).
"I think My Hard Copy is up to Gloucester Park summer carnival feature event standard," Hall said. "Notabadexcuse will be only taken through the classes. But I liked the way he ran a fast sectional tonight."
Famous Alchemist rated 1:55.6 to win the $40,000 WASBA Breeders Stakes (1730m) by 3.5m after facing the breeze.
Hall's eldest son Clinton drove Famous Alchemist and Ben Cartwright. Gary Hall Jr, youngest son of the trainer, drove Notabadexcuse, Alta Christiano, My Hard Copy and Im Themightyquinn.
Hall Jr also drove the Michael Brennan-trained This Time Dylan ($5.40) to win the Fresh Express Pace (2503m).
