Mat Craven and Gus An Maori will be chasing Group 1 glory on Saturday night.
Mat Craven is excited about the Gus An Maori’s future but he admits to being “a bit conservative” when it comes to talking up the horse's chances ahead of Saturday night’s Group 1 trot at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Craven will pilot the Caleb Lewis trained son of Angus Hall/Sumthingaboutmaori in the Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic (3YO Trotting Colts and Geldings) Final over 1720m.
The Bryan Healy bred and raced colt has won two on the spin, defeating Aimforthemoon in his Home Grown heat last time out at Bendigo at odds of $1.60.
“He’s improving all the time. His first start (this time in) at Ballarat he battled a bit to hold his spot on the mobile but he was a lot better at Bendigo the other night,” Craven said.
“The second line makes it tough with Aiken’s drawn the front.
“He’s got the more favourable draw as he’ll be in front of us and he should improve second-up from the other night.
“It’ll be hard from the draw but if we can get a nice run then he’ll be strong late – I’m always a bit conservative I suppose.”
But Craven said connections should strap themselves in for quite a ride with Gus An Maori.
“He’s got a huge future if he stays sound. He stretches out really nicely.”
Gus An Maori is $1.80 with the TAB, while Aimforthemoon is $3.20.
Alex The Great is $7.50 and on the third line, the Peter Hornsby trained son of Great Success/Zesta winning his heat by 2m at Bendigo for reinswoman Stacey Towers.
Sunofatrump is the fourth pick in the race, at $14 fixed odds, with Gavin Lang to drive for Maiden Gully trainer Paul Campbell.
“It was a very good run last time,” Campbell said.
“He made up plenty of ground (after galloping).
“I’d love to say we could win but I think we’re still probably fighting an uphill battle because we’re probably a bit behind the eight ball compared to some of the others as we’ve had a few little issues with him.”