By Adam Hamilton
LUCK has turned at the right time for Tim Butt’s emerging star Let it Ride.
After horror draws in both qualifying lead-up races, Let It Ride snared the pole and has been plunged from $4 into $2.60 second favourite on the Aussie TAB for Saturday night’s $200,000 Group 1 Chariots of Fire (1609m) at Menangle.
“We copped nine and 10 in the two qualifiers, so I couldn’t believe my luck when he drew one in the big one,” Butt said.
“If I was really greedy, I’d have said two was ideal because we’d be in the firing line without having to burn at the start, but at least we’ve got all the options from the pole.”
Let It Ride burned around the field midrace and stopped to finish at the rear in the first qualifier, the Hondo Grattan. He secured a Chariots berth when he struck traffic, but still closed strongly late for fourth in last week’s Paleface Adios.
“Nothing really went right last week, but thankfully he finished it off well and made sure of a spot in the field,” Butt said.
“I’m happy with him. He’s got the class and speed. And this draw is a welcome change.
“I just hope we don’t have to burn to hard early, but Ants (Butt, driver) is not someone I’ll talk plans with. I’ll leave it up to him.
“Personally, I’d love to have the sit on Jilliby Kung Fu, knowing Atomic Red is a bit of a one-dimensional stayer and would have to make it a real staying test.
“Jilliby Kung Fu and Atomic Red looks the hardest to beat. I’d would be great to let them go at each other and have the shot at them.”
Jilliby Kung Fu produced a career-best win to sit parked and out-tough Stars Align in the Group 1 4YO Bonanza at Melton on January 27. He’s drawn nine, comes into seven without emergencies and is a $2.15 favourite (out from $2).
Atomic Red, who sat parked to win the Hondo Grattan in brutal fashion, will start from gate eight is the emergencies come out and is a $5 third elect.
The Menangle card also hosts the Group 3 Sibelia Stakes (1609m), a lead-up qualifier for the Ladyship Mile.
The All Stars’ barn dominate with A Piccadilly Princess ($2.60, gate three), just favourite ahead of stablemate Partyon ($2.70, gate two).
The Kiwi flavour extends third favourite, Delishka, who is a $2.90 shot on the Aussie TAB from the pole.
And in Menangle’s seventh race, Tiger Tara returns home after his Hunter Cup six placing and drops back in grade.
The Kevin Pizzuto-trained star is a $1.55 favourite on the Aussie TAB despite drawing the outside gate over a mile.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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