Quite simply, the 4yr-old trotter’s form is on another level to his rivals in the Trotter’s Green Mile. He comes into tomorrow’s contest on the back of two placings in sizzling times behind champion Monbet.
Since then, he has had a quiet workout win on the Methven grass track ahead of his first race-day appearance away from all-weather surfaces.
With Marcoola looking a standout, punters will look to horses who can fill the minor placings.
Trainer-driver Jim Curtin and Le Lievre’s Gift look a good chance from barrier 1.
The 5yr-old mare was successful in her only mobile start and was also a winner in her only start over tomorrow’s mile distance.
"She’s had one start behind the mobile and was good there and hopefully she’s good again,’’ Curtin said.
He was confident Le Leivre’s Gift could begin well from barrier 1, but would not be pushing her out too hard.
"I would rather see her trot than do things wrong."
While his charge looks a decent place chance, Curtin thought Marcoola would provide his mare with extremely strong competition.
"I think Marcoola’s got to be hard to beat, that’s for sure."
The trainer-driver has his second steer behind Classie Brigade in the Pacer’s Green Mile.The 4yr-old Nigel McGrath-trained stallion would take good improvement from his last-start second in the Geraldine Cup.
"He probably eased up a fraction when he got clear, too."
"He will be a lot fitter with that run."
Classie Brigade has looked a strong stayer and has failed in two outings over a mile. Those runs were in the 2&3 yr-old harness jewels and Curtin thinks the distance is not a concern.
"It shouldn’t worry him too much. He’s a pretty smart horse."
The pacer’s only other start on grass produced a win on tomorrow’s track, in October last year.
While Classie Brigade may appear to have a draw advantage on paper over his main rivals, Mossdale Conner, Maverick and Chase The Dream, Curtin does not think that is the case.
"He’s actually drawn a tricky draw."
"All of those good horses are getting soft runs behind him."
Curtin reunites with Christian Who, a trial winner since finishing down the track when second-favourite on debut at Timaru last month.
"She’s just quite green. She’s a big filly so I think she’s just going to take a bit of time to get the hang of it."
Curtin also drives Ellmers Hoofing (race 4), Another Chapter (race 6), Eastwood Chieftain (race 7), and Alice Springs (race 11) at the meeting.
- Jonny Turner
