Smolda, Lennytheshark ready for Ballarat Pacing Cup clash

Smolda and Lennytheshark finished one-two in in this year's Ballarat Cup in the first of two grand circuit clashes in the space of two weeks.

The New Zealander edged out Lennytheshark by a neck in a track record time of 1:55.3 for the 2710m, journey.

A week later the honours went to Lennytheshark over Smolda by a head in the Victoria Cup.

That was the last time Smolda and Lennytheshark clashed.

They were set to meet in this year's Inter-Dominion final in Perth earlier this month, but Lennytheshark was scratched. Smolda took out the event.

New Zealander trainer-driver Mark Purdon is chasing history in the group 1 Ballarat Pacing Cup with Smolda.

Smolda is attempting to be the first to complete back-to-back Ballarat Pacing Cup wins.

My Lightning Blue and Lombo Rapida have come the closest. 

My Lightning Blue won in 1987 and ran second in 1988, and again in 1989 for trainer-driver Jim O'Sullivan. Lombo Rapida saluted in 2000 and was runner-up a year later.

Purdon and Lennytheshark's trainer David Aiken have selected Bray Raceway as a key destination on their way to Harness Racing Victoria's Summer of Glory Carnival at Melton.

Smolda is going to the $500,000 Hunter Cup at Melton on Saturday, February 4, and Lennytheshark to the  1 $400,000 Victoria Cup at Melton on Saturday, January 28.

Smolda, which is being stabled with Burrumbeet trainer Ashleigh Herbertson, will have his next start in the $100,000 South Australian Pacing Cup on Saturday, January 7.

Purdon stablehand Shaun McNaulty said Smolda had done well since returning to Victoria from Western Victoria – settling into new surroundings.

Smolda paraded at Bray Raceway on Boxing Day night, leading out the field for the Lightning Mile.

The Ballarat Pacing Cup program also includes the group 2 EB Cochran Trotters' Cup, 2200m.

The meeting featured Victoria Derby and Australasian Trotting Championship heats last season, but these have been rescheduled to other venues.