ELLALONG trainer-driver Michael Formosa welcomed handy draws for Heavenly Holly and Pops Boy in the group 1 3YO Breeders Challenge finals after solid qualifying runs on Saturday night at Menangle.
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Heavenly Holly ($81) made up ground late from back in the field to grab fourth in her fillies semi-final, while Pops Boy ($21) was third in his colts and geldings qualifier after using a barrier one start to travel behind the leaders. They both drew gate four for the finals next Saturday night but Pops Boy will start a spot further in with emergencies out.
"They should both get their chance from there to show what they can do," Formosa said.
Formosa will also drive Skyfall Benchmark for Cessnock's Clayton Harmey in the 2YO C&G final from four. Harmey has Saint Crusader (seven) and Chatherup (ODM) also in the race.
Newcastle hosts an eight-card on Monday.
** Sawyers Gully trainer Stacie Elliott was on Friday stood down pending an inquiry over cobalt charges, forcing her horses to be scratched at Newcastle.
Urine samples from Elliott-trained Classic Arc and Magic Shoos returned cobalt levels above the legal threshold after wins at Newcastle on September 3.
Elliott also had items taken away for analysis after a search of vehicles and horse floats at Tamworth on October 7.
She had until last Monday to make submissions in her defence.