Darren Hancock is preparing a hit and run mission with his outstanding square gaiter, On Thunder Road, in The Wagon Apollo Trotters Free For All.
It is the main trotting feature on Saturday night’s card at Tabcorp Park Melton, which will also feature the Del-Re National Italian Cup.
Hancock said the Group 1-winning son of Bettors Delight would acquit himself well and was happy he had missed taking on champ Keystone Del
“It looks a good race for him,” Hancock said. “It is a good field, but he will go all right against them, I think. With Keystone Del not in the race I think we have a strong chance.”
On Thunder Road was beaten on Tuesday at Menangle as a short-priced favourite, when he galloped close to the line, but Hancock said he had an excuse for the defeat.
“The gallop was unusual for him but they ran home in 27.5. He takes a lot of flattening out to go, so they probably just sprinted up a bit quick for him,” he said.
A lack of suitable races for On Thunder Road in New South Wales prompted Hancock to make the trek down the Hume Highway.
“It will be a one-off for him. There are no trotter races in his class this month, so I thought I would bring him down and have a run.”
It is only a small field but it is jam-packed full of quality and Hancock knows it won’t be an easy task
“The horse drawn next to me, Kyvalley Blur, and Andy Gath’s horse Elegant Image both go good, although are first-up. From the draw (barrier four) I can put (On Thunder Road) in the race.”
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