WHEN summing up his prospects for Saturday night’s super card at Globe Derby astute trainer Greg Scholefield believes he has gone from solid to sludge as a result of the draws.
Using a slightly more common word for sewage to describe the various barriers his runners received, Scholefield has no doubt his team faces an uphill battle.
Even taking that frame of mind into account, however, Scholefield remains optimistic his three runners can make their presence felt.
“I got all ordinary draws,” Scholefield declared. “There was no fairy sitting on my shoulder when the marbles fell.
“I have three horses going around on the night and they’ve all got to overcome bad barriers.
“But what can you do? We’ll have to battle on and come up with a contingency plan now.
“I would have preferred to draw a lot better, but it’s not the end of the world.”
Handy pacer Kingofthestars will kick-start Scholefield’s evening in the second event.
Runner-up during his last two starts – both in Victoria – Kingofthestars will need his share of luck from the back line.
“King went really well at Horsham last time around and I expect a big run from him,” Scholefield said. “From the draw though he will need a few things to go his way.
“If he can get a descent run at them he will be thereabouts.”
Classy youngster Labella Rock will then search for a rare victory in the South Australia Derby.
As the only filly in the Blue Riband, Labella Rock is aiming to become the seventh member of the ‘fairer sex’ to capture the classic since its inception in 1938.
Carol Dillon was the ground breaker in 1954, with Medorina matching the feat the next year, followed by Pearl Queen (’57), Fiery Miss (’62), No Frolicking (’96) and CC Chevron in 2015.
Making life extremely difficult for the daughter of Pet Rock is an outside of the second row draw.
“Her draw is shocking,” Scholefield said. “It puts her in a lot of bother.
“I am pleased with the way she is going and have no doubt she can surprise a few of them, but it’ll be hard to see her winning from there.”
Scholefield’s stable star Emain Macha will then tackle the main event – the prestigious South Australia Cup.
Clearly the best chance of breaking the interstate stranglehold on the time honoured feature, Emain Macha will come from gate six.
Ryans Day was the last local to have his name etched on the honour roll after scoring an upset in 1999.
Emain Macha heads into the feature as the winner of his last four starts, including the Wedderburn Cup a fortnight ago.
“I’m confident enough with my bloke,” Scholefield said. “He has pretty much had a perfect preparation and is feeling terrific.
“He is healthy, happy and ready to go…now we just need the right run from a tricky draw.”
