Crosswell Leads Shane Yates Memorial Hopefuls

Longford trainer David Crosswell is hoping lady luck is on his side when his strong trio of chances take their place in the Shane Yates Memorial (461m) at Hobart on Thursday night.

The Hall of Fame trainer has an embarrassment of riches heading into the race, including heat winner Highland Wonder which clocked 26.27 from box seven last week beating Twisted Reality.

Only four races were run last week before lure malfunctions saw the abandonment of the meeting, leading to a ballot to determine the field for the final.

David Crosswell is certain that Quick Joey Small is drawn ideally in box one and the market agrees, installed a $2 race favourite.

"Quick Joey Small looks well drawn with no great speed on his outside, he should run well," Crosswell declared.

"Wide draws for Highland Wonder (box 6) and Classy Lady (box 8) suit their racing pattern and with the way the field is drawn I'm confident all three runners will get their opportunity to run an honest race. It's a good field."

The Dome Holland syndicate race both Quick Joey Small and Highland Wonder.

HOBART FIELDS AND FORM

Quick Joey Small has won 13 races with 15 minor placings from 41 starts with placings in several feature races throughout his career before taking out the Life Members Cup at Launceston in May.

Highland Wonder continues to race in brilliant form having won eight races with 15 minor placings from his 40 starts.

Both sprinters hail from the famous Aston Dee Bee – She's All Class litter which have won a staggering 77 races combined.

Classy Lady, raced by Trevor Cuttriss, is the third of David Crosswell's runners, racing in brilliant form of late.

The daughter of Fernando Bale and Amity Class has won nine of 22 races and comes off an excellent run in Launceston recently when finishing second behind Red Titan in the Division 2 J.G. Nelson Cup Final over 515m.

Classy Lady is rated a $5.50 chance from box eight alongside kennelmate Highland Wonder on the third line of betting.

To win the Shane Yates Memorial would mean a lot to Crosswell having been associated with the late broadcaster.

"It gives me a great honour to be in a race named after a brilliant race caller in Shane Yates," the trainer stated.

"Shane was a great bloke and a real good friend and it would mean a great deal if we can take the final on Thursday."