BY PAUL COURTS
PROMINENT couple Mary and Joe Rando are hoping for a case of “third time lucky” this weekend.
The co-trainers are poised to contest Saturday night’s Inter Dominion Trotters’ Final at Club Menangle in what will be their third crack at the industry’s ‘Holy Grail’.
Rompers Monarch qualified for the 2018 Melton Final, ultimately finishing a respectable sixth behind Tornado Valley.
Successful in two heats with Timothy Red during the 2021 edition, the Randos had no luck in the Final, with the squaregaiter unplaced from a tough draw as Maori Law claimed the glory.
This time around the duo will be represented by Toro Stride, which forced his way into the Group One thanks to consistent efforts during the three qualifying rounds.
Toro Stride (Club Menangle)
“He has done well to make it into the Final,” Joe said. “We’ve been happy with each of his runs and he has come through the hard week in top order.
“His best run was on the second night when he drew well, which just highlights how important the draw can be.”
To the delight of the Randos and owners Emilio and Mary Rosati, Toro Stride has drawn perfectly in the pole, giving the son of Love You his best opportunity to cause an upset.
“It’s a great draw,” Joe said. “Hopefully he can hold up from there and get a trail behind The Locomotive, which has the speed to cross to the front from four.
“We’re not saying he is a big winning chance all of a sudden, but he certainly gets his shot from there.
“This is our third Inter series and third time in the Final, so who knows, maybe it’s third time lucky!”
