Bright prospect keeps shining

13 March 2023

MAYBE he has been buoyed by his success in winning the Menangle Medal as one of the best young drivers of the year.

Either way exciting young reinsman Pheasants Nest reinsman Will Rixon is becoming a permanent fixture in the winners’ circle in recent weeks.

He continued that run on Saturday night when a narrow but impressive winner with six-year-old gelding Jimartee for Horsley Park trainer Noel Hatcher.

Sent out a $1.75 favourite. Jimartee had to pull out all stops in the straight before hanging on to win by a neck from Aalesund (Rob Morris), with Rock Of Delight (Jack Callaghan) a little over four metres back in third.

Rixon admitted winning the Menangle Medal, with points awarded on a month-by-month basis throughout the year.

“I didn’t expect the Medal win as there were a lot of good drivers in the nominees,” Rixon told National Trotguide’s Mike Ko’cass.

“It was nice to have Mum and Dad there when I won the Medal as it’s something I won’t forget.

“It’s good to be recognised and hopefully I can keep on improving.”

Rixon heads for Menangle today with bright prospects and five handy drives on the seven-race card.

The best of those appears to be lightly-raced square-gaiter My Ultimate Eddie ($4) for Menangle trainer Alex Alchin in Race 2.

“He got it wrong two starts ago and that was a shame because he was running right into the race and was probably going to be in the finish,” he said.

“Then they went 1:55 here last Tuesday and he did everything right when fifth behind Jungle Eyes.

“I think he has to be a great chance on that run.

“He’ll probably be at a good price today and the 2300m should suit.”

Rixon also drives Philandering Chef, who shapes as a great chance for trainer Dennis Day in Race 6.

“That horse [Emma’s Boy] that beat us last week had good New Zealand form,” said Rixon.

“We were pretty happy to run him to a head, so I give him a good chance today.”

Philandering Chef has been installed a $2.25 favourite after drawing perfectly in gate one for today’s assignment.

Rixon’s other top chance is Heavenly Belle ($8) in Race 7.

“She hit a hard grade after putting a couple of nice wins together,” he said.

“They went 1:51 on Tuesday and she ran home well.

“With the right run she should be a good chance.”