High priced New Zealand import Watch Pulp Fiction faces a baptism of fire in his Australian debut this weekend.
The classy five-year-old entire lines up in the Gr.2 $50,000 Flags Of All Nations Gold Coast Cup at Albion Park this Saturday night, his first start for new trainers Chantal Turpin and Pete McMullen.
His rivals include triple Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova plus talented New South Wales performers Iam Mr Brightside and Shannonsablast among others.
Watch Pulp Fiction has not raced since November 11 at Addington when 7th behind Lets Chase The Dream in a time of 1:53.2.
And he has not appeared in a public trial either since his arrival.
He will start from gate two on Saturday night.
“Everything seems right heading into the weekend and we’re happy with what he’s done since arriving. Our plan was to target this race first-up and then take it from there, it’s a solid race with a number of quality performers but we expected that given the prize money up for grabs.” McMullen said.
With Avonnova drawn the inside gate and facing the starter for the final time in his career, McMullen believes he has very few options from his handy draw.
“I can’t cross Avonnova; the old horse has very good gate speed and should be able to hold up quite easily. I’d be quite surprised if anything could lead him from his draw, I think the shorter trip will suit Avonnova better this week.
“Given my horse is first-up without a trial, I will drive him for late speed because he can follow a good pace. All the reports from New Zealand suggest he is a very capable sit/sprint type.
“He’s had the benefit of a workout at Albion Park last weekend; he had a good look around while he worked nicely with a partner. I think he’ll race well this weekend, he gives me a good feel.”
Betting giant UBET has listed Watch Pulp Fiction as a $5 chance.
Connections are looking at racing their kiwi purchase in Sydney at Menangle early in the New Year.
Meanwhile, tough trotter Duke Of The Moment will be retired after he starts in the Gr.2 $40,000 Statewide Group Darrell Alexander Memorial Trotting Championship Final.
The eight-year-old has battled niggling issues over the past couple of months and has performed with great distinction throughout the series to date with a first round second while finishing fifth in the second round of heats.
Duke Of The Moment has won 23 races while being placed a further 28 times and banking more than $186,000 in stakes.
The Monarchy – Juverna gelding has won 11 races at Albion Park.
Duke Of The Moment is raced by Pam Hopper.
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