Trots Centre: Stevens shoots for the clouds at Mildura

Talent and a trier will be set free to chase victory tonight by trainer Brad Stevens, who will make the trip to Mildura hopeful Cloudlet or Archer Norman can land a blow.

The 11-race card includes two Stevens’ runners, and the trainer joined Jason Bonnington and Toby McKinnon on Trots Life today to preview his chances.

First up will be Archer Norman, who will contest the Gannons Harness Racing Colours Pace from gate one, just his second start after running ninth on debut at Mildura on October 16.

“He’s a bit of a battler,” Stevens told Trots Life. “He did have a bit of an excuse that night, he had a cold. He can pull a bit.”

Owned and bred by the Mannix family, the four-year-old Auckland Rector colt is out of four-time winner Wenona Maggie.

“He does go good enough to win a race eventually, I don’t know whether that will be tonight, but we will be trying.”

The stable has more confidence that success will come from Cloudlet, who has his first start for Stevens tonight.

Having placed twice in three starts when racing for Gavin Lang and then recorded two wins and four placings in six starts for David Moran, the Art Major filly out of Lombo Cloud Nine is a $5 second favourite with TAB.com.au.

The major threat comes from $1.55 chance Realnspectacular, who Blake Jones will steer for Terry Coelli from gate two.

“It would be good to hold the front,” Stevens said. “I think she will give it a shake if she can.  She’s not quite fit yet, but she’s working nice and whatever she does tonight she will improve on.”

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