“The first couple of 100 metres will be cut-throat”

Since Monday night’s draw placed them in gates one, two and three anticipation’s been at fever pitch about the early showdown between Australia’s most brilliant trotters.

At 10.06pm on Saturday night at Bendigo we will find out which of Pink Galahs, Im Ready Jet and Majestuoso can get the early ascendancy when the gates open for the Aldebaran Park Bill Collins Trotters Sprint.

Matt Craven, trainer-driver of Pink Galahs who will start from the inside draw, said “the first couple of 100 metres will be cut-throat”.

“Everyone will be looking for a prize place, whether it be in front or leader’s back,” he said.

While he’s optimistic his mare has the early speed to compete, the unknowns are many with the trio’s front row mobile starts having been fleeting.

Craven said Pink Galahs had been “OK” of late, having boxed on to finish second last start behind Majestuoso and “seemed to have taken nice improvement from it”.

He said the renowned sit-sprinter had also fared well in front and, over the sprint distance, was keen to mix it up early to make a play for, if not the lead, leader’s back.

“She’s good off the gate so I’m hopeful I can hold my spot,” he said.

“I hold (Im Ready Jet) in very, very high esteem. When she brings her best she is very, very good.

“Along with Majestuoso, she’s the one who will be really tough to beat, especially over the short. She probably has the speed to hold Majestuoso if they really want too. And I’m hoping I can hold them both. Either way she will take a power of beating.”

Punters have moved their chips in on Andy Gath’s Majestuoso, who reaffirmed his standing in last Saturday’s Bendigo win, a third in his last four outings.

“He’s obviously an outstanding, quality horse,” Craven said. “He has really good gate speed if he wants to use it, which I imagine they will. He is definitely the one to beat.”

But there are more than a few flies in the ointment. While the likes of Maori Law and McLovin must be respected, Sleepee also looms dangerously on Pink Galahs’ back, having shown both high speed and strength, while Craven said danger may also lurk from the widest front row draw.

“If Sundons Courage gets out as good as he can he could cross them, so there will be a bit happening.”

To view the fields for Bendigo on Saturday night click here.

By Michael Howard for HRV