Shane Tritton isn’t one to get intimidated.
Even when it means taking on the might of the Purdon/Rasmussen barn, Tritton thinks he has the horse to beat them.
Tritton’s young star Tingira Beach is commanding favourite to win his Breeders Crown 2YO semi-final tomorrow night and set-up a showdown with Purdon’s young gun Pacing Major in the final.
“We’ve had some luck this week drawing barrier one in the weaker of the two semis, so he only needs to run up to his recent form to win,” Tritton said.
“I think he’s actually improved since he was last down in Melbourne and winning the Vicbred final.”
Tingara Beach looks the leader and winner from the pole and is a $1.25 favourite in Aussie TAB markets.
Pacing Major is $1.60 favourite from a back row draw (gate nine) in the stronger semi-final where Astride (gate one), Our Little General (seven) and Bettor Be Gold (12) have the talent to make it a contest.
Looking ahead to the final, Tritton thinks Tingira Beach deserves top billing with Pacing Major.
“I know the markets have Pacing Major favourite, but knowing how good my horse is, he will need to be something special to beat us,” he said.
“He just keeps improving, has been working really well with some top horses of mine at home and I can’t wait for the final.”
In other stable news, Tritton said his glamour mare Arms Of An Angel was ready to return.
“She’s coming up well and will trial in the next two weeks,” he said. “We’ve been sitting her up in her work so she’s learning all the time.
“She is only an M2 so we can take her through the grades for now then look at feature race options, but obviously the Ladyship and Miracle Miles are the long term targets.”
Tritton also hopes to chase feature races with his new star, the injury-plagued Lombo Kotakinabalu.
“He’s done a tendon three times, but he’s back flying and is sound as I’ve ever had him,” he said.
“I said two years ago he could be a Miracle Mile horse and I just hope we can keep him sound long enough to run in the big races.
“He’s won his past two starts in super time and without Lauren having to pull the plugs.”
Adam Hamilton