Captain Ravishing is all systems go ahead of Friday night’s WA Pacing Cup at Gloucester Park, as he chases his second Group 1 triumph.
The Freddy Taiba-trained star, who boasts career earnings exceeding $500,000, heads into the race full of confidence following his impressive Group 3 Navy Cup victory.
“He is going really well and I expect a really bold race on Friday night,” Taiba said.
“He hadn’t had a run since the Victoria Cup and the Navy Cup was a pretty good lead-up run. He has been really good since and he is just where we want him.”
Taiba, 42, has been happy with the son of Ravishing Girl heading into the Group 1 event.
“For the first sort of time I have been happy with everything and there are absolutely no excuses,” he said.
“He will have a quiet next few days and be ready for D-Day on Friday. As long as we can get a bit of luck. I think he will be in it right at the finish.”
Multiple Group 1 winning WA reinsman, Aiden De Campo is set to pilot the Melton 2240m track record holder for the 2536m journey.
“He (Aiden De Campo) is a special kind of guy, he is a real good fellow and they speak very highly of him,” Taiba said.
“There wouldn’t be much between him and Gary Hall Jnr - they are both at the top over here.”
The five-year-old has drawn 11 for the $450,000 event.
“He can track through off the second row and he can follow Minstrel which is good,” he said,
“The draw gives us options, that is for sure.”
Local hope and $3.20 favourite, Pinny Tiger, will start from one while Captain Ravishing will start fourth elect at $4.80.
The WA Pacing Cup is set to go at 10.03pm AEDT.
PICTURE: PACEPIX