Little pacer returns to big track

Victorian harness racing trainer Andy Gath will make the trip north with Padrisimo to compete in a New South Wales Derby heat at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night. 

Padrisimo has only had nine starts, but two of those have been at Menangle and he did win the Rod Fitzpatrick Memorial on the circuit last year.

“Padrisimo was only a little horse when he won the Fitzpatrick Memorial as a two-year-old and I think since then he has probably grown about a millimetre,” Gath joked.

“He’s a gross colt, but he has done plenty of work despite not racing for a month, so it won’t be fitness that is his worry on Saturday night.”

Padrisimo has drawn wide in barrier 11, with Gath stating the son of Bettors Delight wil be driven ‘cold’.

“He has shown that he is best when he is driven quieter, and from out there, we don’t really have much choice, so we are in the laps of the Gods to some extent because he will need a few things to go his way,” Gath said.

“The Derby has always been a target for him this season because he is owned in New South Wales and he has raced well at Menangle in the past.”

Gath also has Burnaholeinmypocket in another heat, while C C Chevron will compete in a an Oaks qualifier.

“Burnaholeinmypocket has only had the one run back from a spell, he did a fair bit of work on that occasion at Bendigo and from the good draw he should get his chance to qualify,” Gath said.

“C C Chevron is my surprise package. I didn’t think she would be able to win a race like the South Australian Derby, but she just keeps on improving.

“She is probably my best winning chance of the night despite missing a run at Ballarat last week.”

• GREG HAYES