Cross and McCarthy preparing onslaught

By Adam Hamilton | TAB Media

Queenslanders can expect to see a lot more of the rampaging Cross Cross/Luke McCarthy team at Albion Park.

Fresh from snaring seven wins, including a string of features, from 11 runners across the Friday and Saturday night Albion Park meetings, McCarthy said campaigning more of their massive team of horses in Queensland was definitely on the cards.

Interestingly, Queenslander Leonard Cain, who drove all seven Albion Park winners for Cross and McCarthy over the weekend, is returning “home” from NSW in March and looks the logical Queensland caretaker trainer for the stable.

“We’re really impressed with the way Queensland harness is being run. They are really progressive and even their Qbred series is so attractive,” McCarthy said.

The likelihood of a regular presence at Albion Park for Australia’s premier stable is a huge vote of confidence in Queensland harness racing.

Cross and McCarthy will flex their muscle even further with four, possible five runners in Queensland’s marquee race, the $175,000 Group 1 TAB Blacks A Fake a Albion Park next Saturday night.

Miracle Mile and Hunter Cup winner King Of Swing will head the charge, along with the emerging Balraj, Albion Park specialist Cruz and up-and-comer Bright Energy.

“We’ll nominate No Win No Feed as well, but will make a decision on whether she runs in the Blacks A Fake or a support race in the next 24 hours,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy will drive King Of Swing, Jimmy Rattray will head up from Sydney to be reunited with Balraj and Cain stick with Cruz, who boasts five wins from his past six starts at Albion Park.

King Of Swing, who boasts nine wins and three seconds from just 12 starts and more than $1mill in earnings for Cross/McCarthy, is clearly the stable elect.

McCarthy took the power pacer into Menangle yesterday (Sunday) morning for a strong private trial and was glowing.

“He’s at least as good as we’ve ever had him. I can’t wait to get to Queensland. We’ll head-up Thursday,” he said.

“We worked him behind another horse over 2400 in 2min57sec. He dashed home in 25.8sec and was absolutely jogging doing it.

“He’s clearly our best horse and will be the one to beat no matter where he draws this week.

“It boosts your confidence when you see Cruz come out and win again (Saturday night) because he’s a nice horse, but King Of Swing is much better than him."