EMERGING Victorian star Bay Of Biscay is the big winner from the barrier draw for Saturday night’s Group 1 Chariots Of Fire at Menangle.
The impressive heat winner drew ideally in gate four and is one of a remarkable five runners – half the field – for champion Victorian trainers Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin. Bay of Biscay firmed from $3.80 into $2 favourite.
Stewart and Tonkin’s other runners are: Miki To Success ($4.80, gate eight), Some American ($8, seven), War Dan Buddy ($51, 10) and Stormryder ($51, $10). They also train the second emergency Kingman, a $15 chance from gate six.
If first emergency The Janitor doesn’t gain a start from gate three, Bay Of Biscay will move down into his spot and get the chance to hunt for the lead, which he did to brilliantly win his qualifying race last Saturday week.
“It’s a perfect draw for him,” driver Cam Hart said. “I know he led and won from (gate) one in the qualifier, but it can be a bit tricky on the inside sometimes, being drawn out another couple is ideal.
“I’m pretty confident he’ll work across those on his inside and hold the others. He’s certainly the hardest to beat now.”
Hart believes Bay Of Biscay’s qualifying win in the Hondo Grattan is the strongest form line for the Chariots.
“I know they went similar time last Saturday (in the Paleface Adios), but it’s just the way Bay Of Biscay led and won,” he said. “Yes, I was driving him out to the line, but he felt like there was still another gear there if a horse had come at him.
“I’ve loved this horse since I first drove him and circumstances or bad luck are really the only reason why he hasn’t won more big races already.
“He was top of the tree last year, he’s a magnificent looking horse and the Menangle style of racing really suits him, you only have to go back to his huge run in the Eureka to see that.
“I’m really looking forward to the race, especially with this great draw.”
Hart is also excited about a change of plan which will see Hunter Cup winner Swayzee chase the Miracle Mile.
“Jase (Grimson, trainer) asked me to drive him in work on Saturday morning and he felt super,” he said.
“That’s all Jase needed to hear to push ahead and run him in the sprints (qualifying races) this weekend.
“He was enormous winning the Hunter Cup and I think we can just put the pen through Albury last time (second in the Cup) because he didn’t get around the (tight) track at all.”
Despite Swayzee’s racing style and reputation as a great stayer, Hart thinks he can adapt to sprint racing and be a major force this week and in the Miracle Mile.
“He’s more versatile than you might think,” he said. “He always works behind other horses at home and loves it.
“It’s a bit of an unknown, but this Miracle Mile has all the makings of a 1min47sec or even 1min46sec mile and you will need a great stayer as much as a speedster to win it.”
CHARIOTS OF FIRE BARRIER DRAW
All off front row: Major Hot, We Walk By Faith, The Janitor (1st emerg), Bay Of Biscay, Charge Ahead, Kingman (2nd emerg), Some American, Miki To Success, Better Knuckle Up, War Dan Buddy, Stormryder, Our Luciano.
