Taiba’s newest addition ready for Victorian debut

Freddy Taiba’s latest harness racing addition, Ravishing Sloy (Bettor’s Delight), is set to make his Victorian debut in Saturday night’s APG Vic Gold Bullion final for three-year-old colts and geldings at Melton.

The 41-year-old trainer acquired the pacer from the Luke McCarthy stable in March and has been happy with the son of Bettors Delight and Ravishing Girl ahead of the $150,000 feature.

“I’m pretty confident with him actually. I am very happy with the barrier draw (three) and he is in good order,” Taiba said.

Ravishing Sloy is the half-brother to Group 1 winner Captain Ravishing, who is trained by Freddy’s brother, Ahmed.

The pacer finished fifth in his APG heat behind the Rickie Alchin-trained-and-driven Soho Spectre at Menangle last week.

“He has really come on since then,” Taiba said. “His work has been fantastic during the week.”

Greg Sugars has been booked to pilot Ravishing Sloy in the 1720m event.

“He has got brilliant gate speed, there wouldn’t be too many horses that would be able to get off the arm as good as him,” he said. “We can’t be happier with him to be honest.

“We have got the advantage over the main rivals. Soho Spectre is a little bit short in the market and we have beaten him before, when Luke McCarthy had him.

“We have got the right horse, the right draw and the right driver.”

Ravishing Sloy is set to touch down on Victorian soil on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s event.

Soho Spectre has drawn five for the final, with the Laura Wilson-prepared Alot Like Louie to start from gate one.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria