By Adam Hamilton.
Trainer Shane Tritton is sure Mach Beauty will bounce back.
Tritton’s stable star wilted late after winning a sustained battle for the lead in his opening round heat of the Perth Inter Dominion at Gloucester Park last Friday night.
He ran seventh and anything less than a win in round two at Bunbury on Tuesday night will leave him struggling to make the $1.3 million Grand Final on December 13.
“He’s bounced-back from hard runs many times before,” he said. “The quick back-up doesn’t worry me.
“There was an excuse the other night. He got on his bumpers for the first time ever. I’m sure it affected his performance
“We’re working on his shoeing so it doesn’t happen again.
“Thankfully he’s drawn well at Bunbury (gate three) in the weakest of the three heats there and the mile suits him as well.”
Mach Beauty looks the leader with Franco Ledger (gate one) happy to take a sit and My Hard Copy (two) unlikely to burn early.
“I’m sure he’ll lead and Amanda (Turnbull) will just cut him loose,” Tritton said.
“If he can’t win this, then he’s no chance in the final anyway.”
The Aussie TAB has Mach Beauty a $2.20 favourite.
The second heat sees series favourite Lennytheshark (gate three) a dominant $1.30 favourite.
The main threat, if any, looks to be local Waylade ($4), but he will need luck from inside the back row.
Opening night winners Devendra (gate four) and Philadelphia Man (nine) cash in the third heat at Bunbury.
Devendra is a $1.65 favourite and looks the leader from gate three, while Philadelphia Man ($4) will need luck from inside the back row over the mile.
If you’re punting on Bunbury, note that eight horses start across the front and there is NO sprint lane.
View the full fields for Bunbury on Tuesday night at:
http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=FV011215#3
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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