My Ultimate Byron.
A MOST triumphant evening is the ultimate goal for astute trainer Jarrod Alchin heading into Saturday night’s Club Menangle meeting.
Alchin has runners in four Australian Pacing Gold Bullion Finals, including reigning champion My Ultimate Byron.
‘Byron’ will be joined throughout the program by his stablemates My Ultimate Levi, Madrid, Most Triumphant and the undefeated My Ultimate Snowy.
Successful in their heat, My Ultimate Byron, Madrid and My Ultimate Snowy are among the favourites in their Group Ones.
Most Triumphant and My Ultimate Levi earned their spots in the majors by finishing among the placegetters.
On the strength of their form and draws, Alchin is confident each will play a strong role in the finish.
“I don’t think I’ve taken what I would consider a stronger team to the races,” Alchin said. “Between them they are all capable of winning.
“It’s not going to be easy and will come down to the kind of runs they get, but I give them all a serious chance.”
My Ultimate Byron has drawn to settle prominently from the pole in the three-year-old decider, while My Ultimate Levi faring poorly in barrier 10.
Madrid has also drawn 10 in the fillies’ division, with the pair slotting into eight with the removal of the emergencies.
“With any luck Byron can repeat his win from last year,” Alchin said. “He’s got the draw to do it.
“Madrid has drawn wide, but possesses high gate speed and should be able to cross and lead, which will make her the one to beat.”
Runner-up in her qualifier, Most Triumphant will come from two in the two-year-old fillies’ division.
“Most Triumphant has drawn well and appears to be a strong each-way chance,” Alchin said.
With the emergencies taken out of the equation My Ultimate Snowy will begin from the pole.
“I really like this bloke,” Alchin said. “I think he has an x-factor about him and the making of a very nice type.
“He’s still got to live up to those expectations, but he gives the feeling he can go a long way…hopefully that journey takes another step in the Final.”
Elsewhere on the card, promising youngster Ripp is in a prime position to match one of his star dam’s feats.
Thanks to his effortless heat success, Ripp is engaged in an Australian Pacing Gold Bullion Final for trainer Bernie Hewitt.
By Somebeachsomewhere, Ripp is from former top youngster Musical Delight, which had her career cut short after 18 starts, which netted 11 wins and five placings for a bankroll of $248,910.
Musical Delight’s biggest triumph was in the 2012 APG Final as a two-year-old.
Restricted to a debut win last season, Ripp has made a claim as being New South Wales’ top three-year-old with four wins and a third from five starts.
Ripp’s victories include last month’s Group One Bathurst Gold Chalice Final.
“I really like him and think he can got a fair way,” Hewitt said. “He had a nasty injury after one start last year which made him miss the rest of the season.
“He went through a dry creek bed and stripped his back leg right into his tendon.
“He had all the time he needed to recover and I’m pretty pleased with the way he has come back.
“He’s had five starts for four wins and third, so you can’t ask for much more from him.”
Rapt with the gelding’s progress, trainer Bernie Hewitt is confident Ripp can add the $125,000 Final to his impressive tally.
To be driven by Doug Hewitt, Ripp has drawn to search for the lead from barrier two.
Defending champion My Ultimate Byron shapes as the main danger from the pole.
“I’m happy with his draw and expect him to be right in the finish,” Hewitt said. “He has come through his heat in top shape and is ready to run a big race.
“My Ultimate Byron went well in his heat and is clearly the one to beat.”
Hewitt will also be represented by Jewel Melody in the two-year-old fillies’ division.
Also a Group One winner during the Bathurst Gold Carnival, Jewel Melody is a $1.20 favourite from barrier five.
“She has trained on brilliantly since her heat and is going to be hard to beat again,” Hewitt said. “You never want to get too confident, but she is in terrific shape.”
