Shane Tritton thinks he could be the surprise packet of the Harness Jewels.
And today’s barrier draws have only boosted his confidence with his juvenile pair Platinum Revolution and Petes Big Jim both snaring prized pole positions at Cambridge tomorrow (Saturday) week.
Tritton and wife Lauren have tackled the Jewels before so knows the enormity of the challenge, but he insists his two raiders should not be sold short despite not being dismissed by many.
“I know lots of people have written us off and, in the case of Petes Big Jim, even laughed at us going, but I think they’ll be surprised,” he said.
“I had Platinum Revolution underdone first-up at Goulburn, it was my fault. Then she could’ve won by a huge space last time, but she wanted to switch off in front.
“She hasn’t been in many races against the best fillies because she hasn’t been paid-up for those races, but I’ve got no doubt she will thrive on it. She’ll follow any speed and run a great race.
“Drawing the pole is a big plus. It should put us right up there on the speed without having to do much work.”
Petes Big Jim joined Tritton’s team right at the time he landed a Jewels invite which surprised many.
“I’ve liked this horses for a long time. I tried to buy him when he ran second in a big race to College Chapel in super time earlier in the season,” Tritton said.
“He’s certainly nowhere near the best two-year-old in Australia on his form, but I’m sure he’s up there on sheer talent.
“I changed a few things after he came to our stable and you saw the immediate results with that 1min53sec trial win at Menangle the other day.
“Put it this way, we’ve got one of the best two-year-olds going around in Muscle Factory and Lauren (Tritton) said after Petes Big Jim’s trial the other day that if clashed with Muscle Factory, she wouldn’t be sure which one to drive.
“Lauren also said he felt that good in the trial that now he’s drawn to lead in the Jewels she wouldn’t hesitate to hold the front.”
If you needed any reminding how upbeat and great for the game Tritton is, check his tweet just moments after the Jewels’ barrier draws came out: “BRING ON THE JEWELS”!
Adam Hamilton