3 February, 2003

Essendon Football Club pacer Windyhillbomber is gearing up for the biggest game of his life.

The talented colt is getting set to take on the cream of Australasia's three year olds in Saturday night's Metalcorp Victoria Derby Heats at Moonee Valley.

Trainer Jayne Davies, who took the youngster dubbed "Sheedy" for a workout with the Essendon players at Bundoora's LaTrobe University this morning, is confident of a forward showing.

"We're delighted with the job he's done. He's had three starts this time in for two wins and a narrow second at Cranbourne", explained Davies.

"He should probably have been unbeaten, but he tends to get a bit lazy when he's in front and he let the other horse get to him.

"We're very happy with him going into the Derby Heats and I think he's got a good chance of qualifying for the final with any decent luck.

"He finished fourth to Bellas Boy in the Breeders Crown Final last season and he's definitely improved since.

"He seems a lot stronger now and has developed into a real athletic type.

"We'd certainly love to see all the Essendon supporters out at the Valley on Saturday night to cheer him on", added Davies.

Boasting the biggest ownership group in the game, Windyhillbomber was leased by leading Standardbred breeder Alabar Farms to the Windy Hill Social Club who race the horse on behalf of Essendon's 35,000 plus members.

The unique cross promotion between Essendon, it's Social Club and Harness Racing Victoria aims to foster a closer a closer working relationship between the City Of Moonee Valley neighbours.

With a majority of stakes earned donated to charity, Windyhillbomber has been a great money-spinner for the local community.

With regular pilot Chris Alford in the sulky, he'll enter Saturday's Derby Heats with an impressive record of 11 starts, 3 wins and 4 placings for overall stakes of $20,100.

The fields and barrier for the three Metalcorp Victoria Derby Heats will be released at 3pm tomorrow.