Flying: Bettor Draw tackles the Gr.1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle this Sunday Photo by Dan Costello (Racing Wrap)
She’s got the draw, but has she got the horse?
That’s the situation facing outstanding Queensland horseperson Narissa McMullen as she enters Sunday’s Gr.1 $100,000 Len Smith Mile at TABCORP Park, Menangle.
McMullen prepares in-form gelding Bettor Draw, a pacer that has blossomed under her leadership late last year.
Boasting five victories and six minor placings since joining her small stable, Bettor Draw has quickly emerged as one of the best pacers in the sunshine state.
The only unplaced effort came in the Gr.1 Bohemia Crystal FFA on Inter Dominion day last month; Bettor Draw finished an unlucky fourth behind Victorian pacer Franco Ledger.
He has also taken a new career mark of 1;51.9 when winning at Menangle on March 6.
“He’s been an absolute gem since being placed in my care, owners Paul McGregor and Neil Gurney have allowed me to train him the way I want and its working. There’s no secret, he just swims – a lot.” McMullen said.
Bettor Draw stamped his ticket to Sydney again following his crushing victory at Albion Park last week where he led throughout in 1;54.7 for 2138m, the time is just outside his co-owned track record that he set three starts ago.
Bettor Draw and Avonnova hold the Albion Park 2138m track at 1;54.0.
But the born again pacer faces his biggest challenge to date when he takes on Australia’s best pacer Beautide this weekend.
And on his home soil.
“I think he deserves his chance at this level and the barrier draw gives us an excellent opportunity to amongst the action. Avonnova ran a great race in this event last year and hopefully we can do the same, his form warranted the trip south again.
“Beating Beautide is almost unthinkable, in particular at Menangle because we all know how much he loves the big open stretches but anything can happen. We’re there and we’ve got a runners chance.
“I’m heading off on Thursday and hopefully we can get down there without any problems, the recent weather might cause some issues. He’s a good horse to travel with but he doesn’t like the company of any other horses, he likes people but not other horses.”
Win, lose or draw on Sunday, the upcoming Brisbane winter carnival is the next major aim for McMullen and Bettor Draw.
