by Chris Barsby
Queensland rookie Colt Thirty One is looking to right his wrongs.
The Grant Dixon prepared youngster is easily the standout performer in the Sunshine State this season highlighted by his brilliant victory in the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Final at Albion Park on July 15.
The Mach Three colt is unbeaten in 7 starts on home soil.
His only blemishes coming on foreign territory at TABCORP Park, Menangle during the rich Australian Pacing Gold series back in April.
Now, he heads interstate again chasing glory in the Woodlands Stud Australasian Breeders Crown series starting with the semi-final at Bendigo on Saturday night.
And everything appears in order to restore the faith.
“He handled the flight down earlier this week (Tuesday) and has settled in really well with his new surroundings, he’s eating and drinking and seems very relaxed which is very pleasing. He’s definitely more mature and a more complete package compared to his first interstate trip earlier this season.” Dixon said.
Since his unplaced efforts in Sydney, Colt Thirty One has won five straight times including his latest romp at Albion Park on August 8 where he thrashed his stablemate and subsequent Albion Park winner Aqua Miss in a time of 1:55.4.
But he faces obvious hurdles this weekend after being slammed with gate seven, the outside of the front-line in the 2150m event.
His only victory at a distance greater than a mile came via his heat triumph at Albion Park on July 7 but Dixon is adamant it won’t be an excuse if beaten.
“We’re certainly not as seasoned as some of our rivals in this series but all of our juvenile racing is shaped at the sprint distances. It is what it is but I’m confident he can run a solid trip without any issues.
“The draw isn’t ideal either and it’s obvious we’ll be working at some point during the race. My initial reaction to the draw was to push forward and try and get handy as quickly as possible, I think it’s best to be up on the pace at a track like Bendigo.
“It’s really hard to line-up the form of our rivals because they’ve come from everywhere but I know my guy is ready to perform. He’s trained on really well since his last start and I’m pleased with the week we’ve had down here.”
The $285,000 final will be staged over 2240m at TABCORP Park, Melton on Sunday week (August 27).
Dixon is reluctant to be drawn into comparisons with Colt Thirty One and former juvenile freak Majestic Mach who went unbeaten in 9 starts as a two-year-old.
The country’s leading trainer with over 270 winners this term is also hoping to qualify talented filly Red Charmer who starts in the Always B Miki Fillies division.
The Mr Feelgood filly starts in the second semi-final (Race 7) and takes on unbeaten Sydney filly My Sweetchilliphilly among others.
A winner of the Wayne Wilson Memorial Paleface Adios Classic at Albion Park back in March, Red Charmer hasn’t started since being unplaced in the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Final on July 15.
But recent trials suggest the filly is close to the mark.
“I’m happy with her and being fresh won’t be an issue, she’s had two recent trials at Albion Park and the latest was very good against Arts Treasure in neat time.
“The draw is obviously a little tricky but hopefully we can get some luck and she’ll be thereabouts.”
Dixon will take the drive on both pacers.
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