Anakie trainer Jeff Britton will rug half the field in his quest for the Group 2 Locks Constructions Horsham Cup (485m) on Tuesday night.
In an amazing training feat, Britton has four runners in the $47,000-to-the-winner final – Barcia Prince, Mepunga Pegasus, Mepunga Wonder and Oakvale Beauty.
Mepunga Wonder was the fastest qualifier, clocking a stunning 26.96sec – only one and a half lengths off the 26.87sec track record Orson Allen set in last year’s Cup final.
Oakvale Beauty, the first reserve, has gained a run in Box 1, a draw she has had on 10 occasions for nine wins.
Here’s Britton’s assessment on the chances of his ‘fab four’.
OAKVALE BEAUTY (Box 1)
Britton says: “It’s great she has drawn inside as she ‘grows a leg’ from Box 1.”
BARCIA PRINCE (Box 2)
Britton says: “He was having his first look at the track in his heat and became ‘lost’ at the first turn… But he has a lot of pace and is suited to the long straights… I’m expecting him to improve time wise.”
MEPUNGA PEGASUS (Box 5)
Britton says: “He’s had three starts for three wins from Box 5, but it’s a statistical quirk… He doesn’t come out that well but is a strong chaser… He received a dream rails run in his heat but faces an uphill battle to run the leaders down in the final.”
MEPUNGA WONDER (Box 7)
Britton says: “I would prefer to see him drawn near the fence… But he’s the in-form dog of our team with a heap of ability… He’s a little bit underrated but has the score on the board.”
