The title of Australia’s premier two-year-old colt will go on the line this Friday night at Moonee Valley.
Star duo Hei Shangri La and Mcraes Mate will square off in a tantalising showdown in the $100,000 2Construct Pty Ltd Vicbred Super Series 2YO Colts & Geldings Final.
Hei Shangri La has long been touted as the nation’s elite juvenile pacer, but costly, albeit luckless, defeats in the Australia Pacing Gold and Tatlow Finals have weakened his grip on the mantle.
In contrast, Mcraes Mate is the new kid on the block having only debuted seven weeks ago, but his unblemished record after three starts has the industry abuzz.
Both were victorious at short quotes in their semi finals last Friday night and both have been installed the equal $2.50 top elects for this week’s Group 1 contest.
Hei Shangri La has drawn more favourably of the duo in gate three, whilst Mcraes Mate must overcome a second line draw (gate nine) to claim the 2090-metre feature.
Chris Alford retains the drive on Hei Shangri La with trainer Ross Payne electing to watch from the grandstand, despite the fact his driving suspension finished last weekend.
Mcraes Mate, the brother of 2003 Vicbred Super Series champion Albert Kelly, will be driven by regular pilot Bruce Harpley on behalf of astute Wagga mentor Bernie Kelly.
Tactics will no doubt play a key role in the final result with the connections of Hei Shangri La eager to find the lead from their better alley.
Whilst many good judges believe it’s a match race, one horse that will have a significant bearing on the outcome is the talented Sydneysider Special Albert.
A winner at seven of his 10 appearances, the promising pacer has the speed and toughness to issue a serious challenge for the lead and may not hand up if he pulls off such a coup from gate four.
Rated an $8 chance, he is one of only several horses afforded the chance of scoring an upset. The others are semi final runner-up Crafty Dennis (gate two, $6) and Tatlow Stakes winner Safe Breaker (gate eight, $11).
