Top trotters to clash at Methven

Monbet might have the draw but Greg Hope says the advantage is with star trotter Stent.

The exciting four-year-old will clash with last season's all-conquering square gaiter for the first time in the Trotters Green Mile at Methven on Sunday.

In a small field of just seven runners, Monbet will leave the mobile from barrier two with Stent starting from six under the preferential barrier draw system.

Hope, who trains in partnership with wife Nina, said Monbet is the baby of the trotting ranks with Stent still being the benchmark.

"We're very happy with him but we are not taking anything for granted. Stent's definitely still the horse to beat, he's the established one so it will be very tough.

"Stent's a very good horse and is still the benchmark along with Master Lavros."

Monbet has thrived since winning the Group I free-for-all on cup day as Stent and Master Lavros skipped the race to head straight to the Dominion.

But Stent has had a couple of setbacks with more corn issues since running fifth in the Dominion and Julie DeFilippi, who trains in partnership with husband Colin, said they are not 100 per cent on where his fitness will be at.

"Methven will give us an indicator of where he is really at.

"He did work off the property yesterday and Colin was very happy with him," DeFilippi said in what is an encouraging sign for the popular trotter."

The Hopes, who race Monbet with Morrie Molloy, will not be losing too much sleep if the winner of 10 races from 20 starts does not beat the likes of Stent and Alley Way, given it will be his first start on the grass.

Hope said they are looking towards the race with anticipation rather than expectation.

"The grass can be a great leveller and it can take some of the speed away from the quicker ones."

Monbet got a look at the Mt Harding Racecourse when beating home stablemate Quite A Moment over 2400m at the Methven workouts on Sunday in 3-27.9 with a 2-19.3 mile rate.

"He trotted really nicely up there," Hope said.

Mat Kermeen

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