Lensley's tractor to show the way

Course and distance suited Emperors Tractor out of Corrie Lensley’s stable looks on target for a fifth career win at Flamingo Park today when teamed up with Jarryd Penny and contesting Race 8 and main event, the Racing Association Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m.

Formerly trained by Brett Crawford in Cape Town, this fouryear-old took an immediate liking to the sand course where he posted a decisive 8.25-length maiden win over 1400m and followed up with a gutsy 0.90-length win over the course and distance again.

Seven runs later he was a clear-cut winner in a 1400m MR 72 Handicap but was not up to scratch in his next two outings when trying 1300m and 1600m. However, he was back to form in his following three runs when a runner-up over 1200m and twice over 1400m.

The gelding can be excused for being unplaced next time when drawn wide over 1300m and never recovering from an untidy start. This he proved in his subsequent outing when justifying favouritism with an impressive 4.75-length win in a 1400m MR 78 Handicap.

Though taking on stronger opposition this time, he will be tough to beat with 5kg less to shoulder at 50.5kg bottom-weight.

However, he will have most to fear in Stephanie Miller-trained seven-time winner Roquebrune (Ryan Munger) who comes off a promising close second in a 1300m Pinnacle Stakes.

But also in with claims is Roquebrune’s stable companion Red Special. Others with chances are Ahead Of Traffic, Notacademicatall and Elusive Singer.