In-demand driver makes a tough Ballarat Cup decision

The man in demand has made his call.

Australia’s leading driver James Herbertson has chosen rejuvenated veteran Bulletproof Boy ahead of two other strong options as his drive in Saturday night’s $100,000 Group 2 Ballarat Cup.

Herbertson, fresh from winning his first national drivers’ premiership by a staggering 93-win margin, also has the choice of driving last week’s Shepparton Cup winner Kanena Provlima or one of the Emma Stewart-trained pair, Mach Dan or Perfect Class.

Such is the demand for Herbertson, his options were the first four in betting.

The Scott Ewen-trained Bulletproof Boy, winner of the Group 2 Bendigo Cup last start, is $4 third favourite from gate three.

Since Herbertson’s decision, Bulletproof Boy has been crunched from $3.70 into $2.50 favourite.

Perfect Class ($3.70), Mach Dan ($4) and Kanena Provlima ($7) are the other key runners.

“I swear I’ve aged five years since the fields first came out,” Herbertson laughed.

“Seriously though, it’s been a really tough call between some in-form and top class horses.

“In the end, I went with ‘Bullet’ because he was so good at Bendigo and the draw (gate three) really suits him.”

Ewen was delighted Herbertson opted for his stable star.

“I’d happily have driven him myself and I’m sure he’d have a great chance, but let’s face it, ‘Herbie’ is a genius,” he said.

“The horse has a better winning chance with him on it and I think the draw is just perfect.”

Herbertson will be looking to go one better than when he finished second in last year’s Ballarat Cup aboard the Stewart-trained Beyond Delight, ironically behind Kanena Provlima.

His decision was the key to an extraordinary driver jigsaw in the Ballarat Cup.

It saw co-trainer Robbie Morris snap up David Moran to partner Kanena Provlima and Emma Stewart land on Mark Pitt (Mach Dan) and Kerryn Manning (Perfect Class) for her two runners.

Mach Dan, who looked sharp winning a recent Melton trial, is lining up for his third consecutive Ballarat Cup. He’s finished fourth and fifth respectively in the past two.

Kate Gath’s loyalty to owner Norm Jenkin saw her opt to drive Tango Tara with Jordan Leedham getting the gig on the more fancied stablemate, Hector, from gate one.

In other news, mighty stayer Swayzee should be untroubled to continue his unbeaten run through the rich NSW Carnival of Cups at Tamworth on Friday night.

Swayzee, who won the first two legs at Parkes and Young, will land at least a $250,000 bonus if he wins at Tamworth.

If the dual NZ Cup winner can add the other two remaining legs, at Albury and Penrith, the bonus will soar to $1m.

While his champion half-brother Leap To Fame stifles betting at $1.10 despite drawing outside the back row for his comeback race at Albion Park on Saturday night.

It’s the six-year-old’s first race in 2025 and is set to prime him for a return to Victoria to defend his Group 1 Hunter Cup crown at Melton on February 1.

by Adam Hamilton for News Corp