Bubba Scrub set to mix it with the best on debut

The newest addition to the Paul Parsons harness racing stable is set to line up in the Nutrien Equine Pace at Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday night.

The New Zealand-bred Bubba Scrub (Hes Watching) will make his debut for the Parsons’ stable after moving over from the care of Jackson Painting in New South Wales.

“He has settled in really well and I’m looking forward for him to perform well,” Parsons said.

The Parwan horseman has noticed a sense of resilience around the five-year-old ahead of just his third Victorian start.

“He is pretty adaptable, and he has got gate speed. He’s won doing it tough and he has also won with a sit,” the 55-year-old said. “By his work at home he has got a lot of high speed.”

The gelding by Hes Watching has been on a three-race winning streak ahead of the 2240m event.

“He is a free-for-all horse and he was only $10,000 – this is a really good buy,” Parsons said.

“Although he will be competing against better horses, I think the horse has got real good ability and he has shown by his race at Menangle a while ago, he sat on Spirit Of St Louis’ back and got beaten by four-and-a half meters.”

Bubba Scrub has drawn three for the $10,000 event with Tayla French set to pilot.

“It’s pretty tricky (the draw). I think James Herbertson on Operative Line will be looking to get to the fence and then taking a sit,” he said.

“The two outside me, Soho Historia and Jillibyjacksparrow, have explosive speed. Even if I did get to the fence, I wouldn’t be able to hold them out anyway.”

The David Lewis-prepared Kowalski Analysis has drawn one with Lochie Cook booked to drive.

The Nutrien Equine Pace is set for 10.07pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria