Derby winner Menin Gate resumes tonight at Ballarat.
Trainer Larry Eastman will make the hour and a bit trip from Shelbourne to Ballarat tonight with hopes of taking out the Colin and Heather Holloway 3YO Classic at Bray Raceway.
Eastman has two runners in the seven-horse Classic field, Victoria Oaks runner-up Morton Plains and Derby winner Menin Gate.
Menin Gate, raced by a group of owners now known as “The Birchip Boys”, hasn’t started since his February 7 Derby success when he ripped through his last 800m in 55 seconds to hold out New Zealand star Follow The Stars by 2.7 metres in a rate of 1:56.2.
The son of Somebeachsomewhere out of Dreams Of Heaven has had three trials to bring him up for tonight’s 1609m $15,275 feature and Eastman is looking forward to his stable star’s return.
“You never really know with these horses until you run them if they’re ready but he’s forward,” Eastman said.
“He’s had three trials … his most recent one he got a bit more serious. He’ll naturally improve with a run or two under his belt though.”
Regular reinsman Chris Alford has again been booked to drive Menin Gate, who has won seven out of nine races and stake money of $192,293.
Menin Gate has barrier four.
Stablemate Morton Plains has pulled barrier two for the Classic with Gavin Lang to take the drive.
“She’s been going good. She did have a little setback with a greasy heel and a nick on her leg so she missed a run at Melton,” Eastman said.
“I want to keep her up for the Sires (Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series) pretty much. She’s capable.”
Jilliby Royal (9: 7-2-0) has the pole draw tonight for Terang’s Glen Craven, Andy and Kate Gath put the polish on Padrisimo (12: 7-2-0) from three, ex-Kiwi My Kiwi Mate (15: 3-6-3) is third-up in Australia for Craig Demmler and Jodi Quinlan out of barrier five, Belinda McCarthy presents Show Me The Bling (18:7-4-1) with Nathan Jack in the cart in gate six and Lee Evison’s Mister Wickham (10: 5-1-1) has the outside alley with Greg Sugars taking the reins.
VIDEO: Menin Gate takes out the Victoria Derby
VIDEO: Show Me The Bling's last-start win
