At his best, Chilli Palmer one of the fastest harness racing performers in the business.
His sprint is withering, and when the pace is genuine, that’s when Chilli Palmer is at his most fiery.
At Tabcorp Park Melton tomorrow night, the Amanda Grieve-trained gelding is engaged in the 2240-metre Westburn Grant Free-for-All, in which he has drawn the pole.
Talented reinsman Alex Ashwood has quickly developed a bond with Chilli Palmer, having driven the speedster to finish third in the Geelong Cup and winning the Gawler Cup.
That night Chilli Palmer was driven more aggressively than usual, sustaining a long, three-wide run for the final lap before outclassing his rivals.
“He was out of his comfort zone because he was driven more aggressively than usual,” Ashwood said. “We just felt dropping back to that class we were able to do that and he did it really well.’
As for his latest assignment, Ashwood predicts Savesomtimetodream to lead from barrier two before surrendering the lead to Kerryn Manning’s Hunter Cup winner Arden Rooney.
This would provide Chilli Palmer with a suitable trail two-back along the pegs.
“If Kez runs along a bit up front that would help,” Ashwood said. “It all comes down to the tempo early.”
Manning stated Arden Rooney would most likely head to Mildura for the Cup Carnival following Friday night’s race.
“I don’t know if I can find the front, but I’ll be going forward,” Manning said. “Franco Ledger is faster than my bloke, but he also needs a bit of luck in running.
“It’s a bit tricky.”
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HRV Media