Ready to strike at 'Mach' speed at Penrith

NO ONE in the Sydney region is driving more consistently than Menangle Park-based reinsman Josh Gallagher.

During the past month, Gallagher has driven 20 winners, capitalising on the opportunities afforded him by a vast number of trainers.

Gallagher drove 124 winners for the season, two more than the previous year, cementing himself in the top echelon of the state’s reinsmen.

“Having such a good run in December was certainly a great way to end the year,” said Gallagher.

“I do a lot of kilometres up and down the eastern seaboard, so it is satisfying to be rewarded with getting winners.”

Gallagher landed a well-deserved feature win last Friday night at the Maitland Harness Racing Club’s TAB Carnival of Cups meeting when he guided the Lisa McDonald trained Master Catch to victory in the $15,000 Maitland Cup.

A much-improved gelding during the past 12 months, Master Catch made it back-to-back wins at Maitland and was dominant in the Cup, racing without cover and outstaying his rivals, staving off some late charges to score by a half neck margin.

“It was really pleasing to win that race for the McDonald family,” said Gallagher.

“They have Master Catch absolutely flying at the moment and were excited to win their local Cup race.”

Gallagher turns his attention to Penrith this evening where he has five drives.

His best winning chance comes up in Race 5 when he takes the reins behind Manly Mach for trainer Troy Williams, who has racked up 19 winners at Penrith during the past year.

Drawn perfectly in gate one, Manly Mach will get every chance from the ideal draw and Gallagher believes the gelding will be hard to beat should he be able to lead.

“He is a consistent type who relishes racing at Penrith,” he said.

“It is not the strongest race and if he can find the lead, I feel we can dictate terms and be hard to run down.”

Reasonforagrange (Race 2) should have punters on good terms early in the night as he has drawn well in a winnable race.

Trained by Geoff Day, the mare that has one win to her credit from 15 starts, will be driven by Will Rixon.

Last start at Bankstown she was held up on the turn and caught the eye as she ran home well to finish fifth.

• MICK DUMESNY