By Michael Guerin
There are few races David Butcher loves more than a Sires’ Stakes heat on his home track at Cambridge.
Which is just another reason you should be backing Spring Campaign when the three-year-old series kicks off in a crucial leg of the guaranteed $150,000 Pick6 tonight.
Spring Campaign deserves favouritism for the 1700m dash after leading throughout to win in a fast time at Alexandra Park last Friday and, more importantly, drawing the ace tonight.
Inside draws for horses with gate speed and proven front running records are a consistent recipe for success at Cambridge and Butcher is often the icing on that cake.
As menacing as he is driving anywhere, Butcher is at his most intimidating setting up steady quarters in front of his home track, daring his rivals to move during a 28.5 middle 400m sectional knowing that will almost certaintly leave them exposed.
He has used those exact tactics to win this three-year-old Sires’ Stakes heat with Mista Mara (2012) and Art Form last year as well as Vasari in the juvenile heat last season.
“I can’t see any reason he won’t be able to do the same,” said Butcher.
“He won well in 2:40 at The Park last week and has gate speed so in front around Cambridge will be the place to be.” Spring Campaign is ready for the catch me if you can tactics, having strengthened recently and with trainer Ray Green’s stable looking to be over a bothersome virus that struck them over the winter.
While he is clearly the horse to beat if he leads, Spring Campaign does meet some talent tonight, with Billy Badger, Star Galleria and Runrunjimmydunn among the best of them.
Billy Badger hung badly right-handed when finishing third to Spring Campaign last Friday but that shouldn’t be an issue tonight and he could even chance his arm early and go forward, especially with the 1700m start more forgiving than the mile.
Star Galleria had no luck at Alexandra Park last week but has a real motor while Runrunjimmydunn’s maiden win here last start was one of the best at Cambridge in recent seasons.
Add in impressive debut winner Jack’s Legend and Neighlor and plenty of Pick6 chasers might want a saver ticket but the majority of your spend should be on Spring Campaign.
The chase for the $150,000, which looks certain to end up worth more, isn’t easy.
The first leg contains little exposed maiden form while the third leg could even be a field job, with Turnbulls and Rangi Rangdu may be the best of a poor bunch.
Race eight is a beauty though and punters need at least Jo’s Dream, Stunin Banner, Robbie Burns (who trialled very well on Saturday) and Aliante, with room for more.
Then it is back to two tough legs, including a dreaded 2200m trot for the last, which means you are gambling on manners.
A $150,000 guarantee on a Thursday night is tempting but if you get it tonight you will earn your money.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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