Albany jockey Natasha Faithfull chases riches in inaugural hometown $350k slot race The Bluff Knoll

Albany jockey Natasha Faithfull is ready to climb to new heights, as she chases the riches on offer in Sunday’s inaugural slot race The Bluff Knoll. Thousands of people are expected at Percy Spencer Racecourse to witness the first running of the unique slot race, run over 1099m — the height of Bluff Knoll which is the highest peak in the Stirling Range National Park. The first edition of the Wellington & Reeves Bluff Knoll will carry a total prize pool of $357,060 with the winner claiming $150,000, making it country WA’s richest race. There are already plans to make the race worth $500,000 in the future and Faithfull said it was wonderful to have such a big event in her hometown. “It is great for Albany to get some recognition and publicity,” she said. “Albany is a beautiful track and always presents well. “It’s great to have such a high-level stakes race in Albany that we’ve never had before. “The race has drawn a lot of interest from metro trainers and jockeys and it looks like its going to be a big day.” The final field of 13 runners was confirmed earlier this week and Faithfull is part of a two-pronged attack for Albany trainer Steve Wolfe. Beads will be ridden by Faithfull in the SJ Wolfe Racing slot while stable star Red Can Man has the slot for Pelicans Albany in the race. The concept was initiated from the success of Sydney’s The Everest and Perth’s The Quokka. The 30-year-old hoop, who is closing in on consecutive titles as the leading rider in the Great Southern, was bullish about Beads’ chances. “I’m really happy to be riding Beads,” Faithfull said. “He is going in as an underdog but I think he’s a good chance. “He has a good first-up record, has come back the best he’s ever been and behind the scenes is ticking all the boxes. “I always thought he had the ability to get to Red Can Man’s level, listed level and above and I think he can show that here.” Beads has not started since running last over 1000m at Ascot on January 20 but boasts a first-up record of three wins from six attempts. The Star Turn gelding has won six times over 1000m and Faithfull was hoping to sit midfield from barrier six. Faithfull was aboard Red Can Man in a 950m trial at Lark Hill, beating home fellow Bluff Knoll runners Oscar’s Fortune, Saloon Bar and Acromantula. Red Can Man, a winner of more $1.5 million in prize money and bonuses, drew barrier 10 and will have 56.5kg to contend with for jockey Joseph Azzopardi. “His trial was super and the couple of others he trialled with he had them covered easily,” she said. “I don’t think the barrier will worry him, he’ll just come across and sit on speed. “If Oscar’s Fortune brings his form, he ran some good races last preparation, but in saying that Red Can Man had him off the bridle in the trial. “Laced Up Heels has good form but a sticky draw, but I think those three will be the hardest to beat.”