IT'S not often that a driver's longest-priced chance at a meeting will be the one he treasures the most.
But for young gun Jack Callaghan, driving a pacer trained by his father in his first Inter Dominion qualifying heat will be just that on Saturday night at Menangle.
Royal Gamble, trained at Morisset by Mark Callaghan, will be an outsider in the opening heat of the three-stop qualifying series, which comes to Newcastle on December 5. The six-year-gelding has drawn awkwardly in gate six, second widest on the front row, in the 12-horse field which features the all-conquering King Of Swing in three.
Just being in the 36-horse series, though, is a dream come true for the Callaghans. Royal Gamble looked out of the reckoning before a high attrition rate moved him to second emergency when final acceptances were declared. He then secured a spot on Monday when more withdrew over the weekend before fields were released.
Jack has become one of the top drivers in Sydney after making the move to Cobbitty Equine Farm in mid-2020 following a Newcastle premiership in his first full season. His rise means he has better chances on Saturday night, including Alta Orlando in heat two, but he was cherishing the opportunity on his father's first Inter Dominion starter.
"We always thought he'd get to that level, and the fact that it's in Sydney made it a little easier for him," Jack said. "It's good to be able to combine with Dad on the biggest stage.
"He's probably not my best chance on the night but just to be in the Inter Dominion on one of Dad's horses, and being owned by Matt Chidgey and Trent Salkeld, who have been massive supporters of Dad over the last few years and my career, it's a reward for them.
"I always dreamed of being in these races. I probably didn't expect it so soon but it's good that it's in Sydney and I can take advantage."
Royal Gamble has been third at his past two Menangle starts, five and seven metres away, and Jack was confident of a strong run.
"He's going really good. He hasn't had a whole lot of luck of late but he's performing against the better ones and doing a great job," he said.
"It's a pretty ordinary draw, just with the formation with the back line as well, so it's a bit tricky to work out where he'll be, especially with King Of Swing inside him. But you've just got to try to drive him to get as many points as possible."
The Hunter's other hope, the Darren Elder-trained Bright Energy, has gate two on the second line in the third and final heat. Driver Brad Elder hoped for a handy spot after drawing behind favourite Spirit Of St Louis.
Callaghan was confident of a strong challenge from Alta Orlando, which has gate three in the second heat.
"I reckon he's a real good chance," he said.
"With the draw he should be first to the fence and he's nearly in career-best form at the moment. His run in the Len Smith Mile last start was really good and he's come on well from that and trialled really good. So I'm confident with him."
Callaghan also has a drive in the trotters series, partnering Empire Bay in heat two of two.
"He went really good last start and won over the 3000m standing start, so the distance of the series should suit him," he said.
"His last few runs have been good, so hopefully he can keep improving."
