McCullagh's ‘Bold' Egg Mission

DECORATED Victorian trainer Norm McCullagh eyes a successful return to Wentworth Park this Saturday night when his exciting juvenile Crimson Vixen takes her place in heat six of the rich Group 1 Golden Easter Egg series.

"It has to be well over 20 years since I've raced in Sydney," said 79 year old McCullagh, best known for the sublime deeds of his Hall Of Fame stayer Bold Trease, winner of a remarkable and unprecedented four consecutive Sandown Cups in the late 80s.

"From memory I raced a bitch called Midnight Flirt in a Ladies Bracelet [at Wentworth Park] back in the mid-90s so Crimson Vixen will be my first runner in Sydney for over two decades, I'm sure things will look a bit different this time around."

Crimson Vixen, a fashionably bred daughter of Barcia Bale, heads into round one of the this year's Easter Egg as the winner at eight of her 12 appearances, including her past five on the trot, the catalyst for McCullagh pencilling in a trip to Sydney with his rising star.

"We're jumping a few rungs on the ladder going into a race like this but she just keeps improving and is very quick early – she can make her own luck," added McCullagh.

"She trialled box-to-box at Wenty two Tuesday's back and went 5.37 early which they tell me is going quite good. I see she's been well backed for Saturday night so others obviously liked the trial as well!"

Drawn ideally in box two for Saturday night's assignment, Crimson Vixen takes her place in one of the more intriguing heats, tackling NSW big-track juggernaut Pindari Express (box five) and WA star Campini, a slick 29.51 trial performer at the circuit last weekend.

"By the way, what's the Easter Egg worth these days?" McCullagh asked.

"$250,000 to-the-winner," your writer responds.

"Gee – that'd be handy," McCullagh laughed.

"She's going into the race fit and healthy and the trial was encouraging. She's not the strongest dog in the world and she is giving away plenty of experience, I'm sure she'll give a good sight … she's a mighty little chaser. I haven't been to Wenty in over 20 years so hopefully it's a winning return."