Undefeated freshman Verbici will face his toughest challenge this weekend.
Boasting a perfect record from eight starts, Verbici’s wins include the Nutrien Sales Classic, New South Wales Trot, Vicbred Super Series and Yabby Dam Farms Finals.
As testing as his various assignments have been, co-trainer Chris Lang declared Sunday’s Redwood Classic will be harder.
Lang, who prepares the trotter with Sonia Mahar, rates Maryborough’s famed Group 1 as the most difficult event on the two-year-old calendar.
“When we realised he was going to be something special and set out the various races for him, we always felt the Redwood would be the hardest,” Lang said. “It’s not restricted to where they were bought or bred and is open to the best, which makes it harder.
“Add the standing start conditions and big field into the mix and the race requires you to be at your best.
“That said, we couldn’t have him in any better condition going into it, so we are as confident as we can be.”
Kept fresh since his Yabby Dam Farms Final triumph at Club Menangle three weeks ago, Verbici rounded out his preparation with a standing start trial win at Melton today.
“He began really well,” Lang said. “I stood him up a few times during the prelim, and then the actual start, and he felt comfortable on each occasion.
“It’s different again on race day, but we’re pleased with the way he handles the stand.”
To be driven by Lang, Verbici will begin from six in the 2190-metre feature, with Regal Gala considered the main threat from the pole.
Regal Gala, which was runner-up behind Verbici in the Nutrien Sales Classic and Vicbred Super Series Finals, began from one to capture the standing start Mick Clover Redwood Prelude at Maryborough on October 12.
“Regal Gala was off his game last week, but you’ve got to go on his whole season, not just that start,” Lang said. “He’s the one to beat, especially from the draw.
“Phoenix Rex showed he is back to his best last week and has to be respected from five.”
