The barrier draw for the Group 1 Ballarat Pacing Cup (2710m) has been conducted and here is how the harness racing field will line up on Saturday night.
Star New Zealand pacer Smolda was the biggest winner at the barrier draw on Tuesday after drawing barrier five with trainer-driver Mark Purdon expected to send him forward at the start.
He was runner up in the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Cup (3200m) behind Arden Rooney in November and was a fast-finishing third in the Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m) behind stablemate Have Faith In Me on New Year’s Eve.
Inter Dominion winner Lennytheshark has come up with barrier nine which is a decent draw and the superstar entire’s turn of foot and toughness allows Chris Alford to drive him in a number of different ways.
Speedy beginner Major Crocker will have his say early after drawing barrier three and should come out charging in a bid to find the pegline first.
He led throughout to claim the Inter Dominion Consolation (2536m) two starts ago before running 10th in the Group 1 South Australian Pacing Cup (2230m).
Mossdale Conner has been racing in terrific form in New Zealand and barrier four will suit as the six-year-old gelding has good gate speed to help land a spot early.
NSW star Bling It On has barrier 12 to overcome after four consecutive wins in his home state have been impressive for the McCarthy stable.
Im Corzin Terror will begin from the inside of the second row after dominating the Group 3 Hamilton Pacing Cup (2660m) from the breeze position.
Franco Nelson joins Anthony Butt in Victoria after running fourth in the New Zealand Trotting Cup. Barrier seven significantly hinders his chances in the Ballarat Pacing Cup.
2016 Ballarat Pacing Cup final field and barrier draw:
Barrier Horse Trainer
1 Metro Mike Emma Stewart
2 Hotasel John Justice
3 Major Crocker Vince Vallelonga
4 Mossdale Conner Greg Hope
5 Smolda Mark Purdon
6 Classy Western (Em 1) Allan McDonough
7 Franco Nelson Anthony Butt
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8 Im Corzin Terror Dean Braun
9 Lennytheshark David Aiken
10 It Is Billy Michael Barby
11 Five Star Anvil Adam Kelly
12 Bling It On Belinda McCarthy
13 Cold Major David Aiken
By Trent Orwin