Star Queensland reinsman Shane Graham enjoyed a great night out at the office on Saturday, October 13.

 

The reigning Albion Park metropolitan driver of the year claimed both features at Parklands winning the Group 2 $75,000 Kevin & Kay Seymour Gold Coast Cup plus the Group 2 $30,000 Seelite Windows & Doors Darrell Alexander Memorial Trot Final.

 

Graham guided both Washakie and King Of Strathfield to success and stamped their respective tickets for bigger events in the coming months.

 

Washakie, the $1.90 favourite, registered his first victory at the track after racing without cover defeating stablemate Terrorway who stormed home from last while Hikingalso caught the eye finishing strongly for third in a time of 1:57.7 for the 2100m event.

 

The John McCarthy trained millionaire was placed in 2010 behind recently retired champion Blacks A Fake while also placed last year behind Victorian star Smoken Up.

 

"He went super. He is such a great little horse who fights so hard and his effort tonight was excellent, I really appreciate the opportunity that was afforded to me from John and the owners," winning driver Shane Graham beamed.

 

Graham has now won two from three behind the Badlands Hanover gelding following his success in the Be Good Johnny Sprint last year at Albion Park.

 

Washakie will back up in next week's Group 1 $200,000 Garrards Queensland Pacing Championship at Albion Park, the opening leg of the 2012/13 Grand Circuit season.

 

The victory of King Of Strathfield in Queensland's premier trotting event took on more significance this year following the announcementfrom Harness Racing Victoria to conduct the Great Southern Star serieson March 23, 2013 at Melton.

 

The winner is exempt from ballot for the Group 1 $250,000 feature.

 

King Of Strathfield overcame a 20m handicap to hold off Mexican Invasion (40m) while race favourite Capitol Drive ($2.50) weakened to third after leading from his front line draw.

 

The Vicki Rasmussen trained trotter returned a mile rate of 2:04.6 for the 2609m feature.

 

"He raced great and stuck on very well in the straight, the mare was very brave in second and it turned out to be a thrilling contest.

 

Vicki had him spot on for this series and we've been targeting this series for some time, the plan has now come off and we're thrilled to win such a great event."

 

Connections will contemplate future options with King Of Strathfield in the coming weeks.

 

The Armbro Invasion gelding joins I Can Doosit, Charlemagne, Cold Sister, Brief Glance and Elegant Image as invited runners for the new trotting feature in Melbourne next year.