Maitland harness racing reinsman Guy Chapple doesn't expect a group 1 victory at Bathurst on Friday night but he's hopeful of a consolation win and a taste of what's to come.
Barrett was a fast-finishing third in his heat of the three-year-old colts and gelding series on Monday to secure a final spot but he has drawn the outside of the second line in a hot field featuring Victorian star Lochinvar Art and Amanda Turnbull's Shoobee Doo.
Cessnock trainer Clayton Harmey's Straddie was a $71 chance out of gate two and Bobs Farm trainer Geoff Harding's Roll With Lachlan was $81 from 10 for the race which has been elevated to group 1 status and $104,000 this year.
Chapple was hoping for a repeat of Barrett's heat effort.
"He goes good but he's drawn bad, and it's a cracking field," Chapple said.
"It was a really good run to get in, he flashed home late, but it's going to be tough.
"If things go his way and he has a bit of luck, he can probably fill a hole but I think that's about it."
Roclea Star was fourth in his heat of the two-year-old colts and geldings series to miss a spot in the group 1 decider. He too has drawn the outside of the back row, but Chapple was more confident about his chances. Roclea Star was a $13 hope.
"He goes really good but he did everything wrong in the heat," he said.
"He pulled and he got outside the leader and they went 1:55. He got beat 25 metres but his run was super.
"He's drawn bad Friday night and we've just got to hope he does everything right and I think he won't be far from the money.
"Realistically, he probably couldn't win the final but he could win the consolation, so we're probably better off that way."
Past Friday night, Chapple plans to return to Bathurst with Roclea Star for the Gold Crown Yearling Sales series next month.
Chapple, Goadsby and Jones were second with Mister Finnigan at Bathurst on Wednesday night in the Gold Crown Bronze Consolation.
Former Hunter-based duo Shane and Lauren Tritton will vie for group 1 glory with Major Bob (Gold Crown) and Brooklyns Best (Gold Bracelet).
By Craig Kerry