Smile: Will trainer Shane Tritton land his first Grand Circuit victory this Saturday night at Albion Park
In-form trainer Shane Tritton is not prepared to concede defeat just yet.
Tritton heads north from his Newcastle base to Queensland tomorrow (Thursday) with a pair of runners in Saturday night’s opening leg of the new Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season – the $200,000 Garrards Queensland Pacing Championship at Albion Park.
But the barrier gods have handed him a cruel blow with Marty Monkhouser landing gate 10 while stable newcomer Mark Dennis has drawn gate 13, the outside of the second-line in the 2680m feature.
“It’s not ideal but it’s not the end of the world either. I’m really happy with both horses and I’m expecting a forward showing from both, these races attract speed and pressure and that should suit us nicely.” Tritton said.
The leading New South Wales mentor was faced with an embarrassment of riches in lead-up to the sunshine state feature but has opted to split the majority of his runners as they all push towards the Miracle Mile next month.
Tritton has speed machine Suave Stuey Lombo, Easy On The Eye, Saucy Legend, Ardghal plus his two Brisbane bound pacers aiming at the country’s premier speed test on November 29 at Menangle.
Marty Monkhouser heads into the QPC fresh after being given a freshen-up following his success in the Gr.1 Australasian Breeders Crown 4yo Final at Melton back in August while Mark Dennis looked sharp winning his first start for his new trainer at Menangle two weeks ago.
“Marty has come to hand really well following his break and his trial the other day was super coming off the speed, he recorded very good sectionals and pulled up really well. He’s versatile and keeps improving; he had no luck during the Brisbane winter carnival before he made his own luck in Melbourne.
“I’m still learning about Mark Dennis but he’s a quality horse, he’s had a few different homes during his career but has always done a good job. I thought his first-up win for me was strong and he’s still on the up, I do think his best form will come over the shorter trips but he thoroughly deserves his shot in this race.
“I know firsthand how hard it is to win in Brisbane but I’m happy with my runners. Avonnova looked good last week running good time while Abettorpunt and For A Reason both hit the line well, let’s just hope for constant pressure up front and then we’ve got a great chance.”
Stable reinsperson Lauren Panella will partner Marty Monkhouser while local ace Pete McMullen, fresh from his success last weekend in the inaugural Australian Drivers Championship at Globe Derby in Adelaide has been booked to drive Mark Dennis.
In total, Tritton has seven runners engaged on Saturday night at Albion Park including talented pacers Pas Ultimate Delight and The Majority who makes his debut for the team.
The Majority finished second at his most recent start behind boom pacer Guaranteed in the Gr.2 $50,000 Melton Plate on October 4.
