Horror draw for Grand Circuit King

The Grand Circuit race gained a huge injection of competitiveness when King Of Swing drew the worst possible alley, outside the back row (gate 13) over 2150m at Bendigo.

Stand-in driver David Moran will have to make some big decision and need luck at the right time despite King Of Swing being by far the best and most decorated pacer in the field.

“That’s certainly made things interesting,” co-trainer Luke McCarthy said.

“It’s never easier from that sort of draw in any race, let alone a Victoria Cup.

“But Dave (Moran) knows the opposition and drives these big races so well.

“I’m sure we’ve got the horse as good, if not better, than he’s ever been, which he might need to be from there.”

Superstar former Kiwi mare Amazing Dream will also need some luck from the front row (gate five) with noted quick beginners Torrid Saint (one), Max Delight (two) and Majestic Cruiser (four) drawn inside her.

In-form NSW trainer Jason Grimson has booked gun local freelancer Zac Phillips to drive the only other interstate raider in the race, Majestic Cruiser.

The six-year-old has won five of his six starts since moving from Victoria to join Grimson’s Menangle stable, including his past three at Group 3 level.

Classy sit-sprinter Triple Play is another who will need luck from gate eight (inside the back row) where he’ll get a cosy run, but be sweating on clear air when it matters.

“He’s following out a horse (Torrid Saint) with the tactical speed to hold a forward spot, so that’s a plus,” driver Greg Sugars said.

It was a horror draw for Andy Gath’s pair with Wolf Stride landing gate seven (outside the front) and the emerging Pacifico Dream (12).

In contrast, Gath’s star trotter Majestuoso drew superbly in gate three and will dominate betting in the Group 1 Bill Collins Trotters’ Sprint.

The Victoria Oaks was turned on its head when the brilliant Ladies In Red, a winner of 12 of her 13 starts, drew the back row (gate 10), while emerging stablemates Beach Music (three) and Joanna (six) snared the front row.

Impressive heat winner Act Now looks assured of Victoria Derby favouritism from barrier three, but former Kiwi pacer American Dealer will have plenty of admirers from gate two.

To see the fields for Bendigo on Saturday night click here.

By Adam Hamilton for News Corp Australia