Untapped four-year-old boasts hot trial form

Andy Gath’s untapped Bettor’s Delight four-year-old Yambukian resumes at harness racing’s Tabcorp Park this Saturday night on the back of hot trial form at the same venue three weeks ago.

Yambukian split Captain Bellasario – who smashed the track record in the Eastern Zone Challenge at Warragul on Monday – and subsequent metropolitan winner Helluva.

This week Gath revealed the impressive form line is even better than it reads.

“He was a bit off colour for a few days after the trial, so he probably wasn’t at his top,” Gath said.

Yambukian, who was runner-up behind Act Now in the Breeders Crown 3YO Colts and Geldings Final, has been well looked after according to Gath.

“We have deliberately been patient with him and given him every opportunity to develop,” he said.

“He can be a bit hot and cold, but it looks as if he is going to be a good metropolitan class horse going forward.”

Gath acknowledges the extreme draw in the first heat of the Caduceus Metropolitan Pace makes the pacer’s return to the racetrack a tough assignment.

“He comes straight out of his three-year-old season with a 79 rating so there are no easy races for him,” he said.

“He is a good size of a horse so there should still be some improvement in him.”

Later in the evening, Gath expects racegoers will see the “real” Majestuoso (Majestic Son) in the Noopy Kiosk Trotters Free For All.

Majestuoso hasn’t raced since finishing seventh behind Sundons Courage at Melton a fortnight ago and Gath has since put his hand up citing a change in diet may have contributed to the uncharacteristic performance.

“He tends to fibrillate a bit so we took salt out of his food and he tied up for the first time in his career,” he said.

“His work at home has been good and he will be fitter for that first-up run.”

Stablemate McLovin (Monarchy), who is the likely early leader in the race, is in the twilight of a fine career for prominent owner Norm Jenkin.

“He will probably be the first horse to the pegs, but whether he holds the lead remains to be seen,” Gath said.

“He’s been a great horse for Norm and this will be his last preparation.”

The dual Group 1 victor has won 28 races for stake earnings of more than $450,000.

For complete Melton Saturday fields, click here.

by John Dunne, for HRV