'It's a bit scary': Jack Hope-ing to hold out Stewart quintet

Emma Stewart has five runners in a Group 1 feature at Melton on Saturday night, but according to bookmakers the quintet is at best likely to be vying for second place behind emerging star Just Hope in the APG Vic Gold Bullion 3YO Fillies Final.

The dual Oaks-winning filly, the $1.33 favorite, has drawn the coveted pole, however trainer Russell Jack has been around long enough to know racing can often throw up a curve ball.

“It’s a bit scary when you’ve got five of Emma Stewart’s in the race,” Jack said.

The daughter of Bettors Delight has only tasted defeat once in her past six starts, finishing runner-up in the Bathurst Gold Bracelet Final a month ago.

“She had a hard run in the heat going 1:52 and it might have just taken the edge off her,” Jack said.

Just Hope led throughout in her APG heat, holding off Playing Up who is a $5 second elect in the Group 1 showdown.

“They seemed to have every chance to run her down in the heat so all things being equal she should win,” Jack said.

Jack acknowledges the barrier draw should make his charge’s task not that arduous.

“She should be able to hold the lead from that alley without having to do too much work,” he said.

Jack said Just Hope will have a short break after Saturday night before heading north in an attempt to add the Queensland Oaks to her burgeoning CV.

While Just Hope continues to stake a claim as the best of her age and sex in Victoria, the Andy Gath-trained Catch A Wave has a firm grip on that title among the three-year-old colts in the country.

The son of Captaintreacherous outclassed his rivals in the freshman version of the Breeders Crown Series and has treated the opposition with contempt at his only two starts this season.

Catch A Wave will start from a mid-front row barrier in the APG Vic Bullion 3YO Colts and Geldings Final and barring bad luck, the $1.20 favorite should have little trouble adding to his picket fence form line.

The APG Vic Gold Bullion 2YO Colts and Geldings Final isn’t so clear cut, with several of the runners threatening to play a key role in the finish.

Mister Hunter rounded up his rivals coming from last in the heat to defeat Roryville and an unlucky Will He Reign.

Mister Hunter has to contend with an outside front row draw on Saturday, while Will He Reign has drawn to get the run of the race and will appreciate the presence of the sprint lane at Melton.

The Emma Stewart stable’s best chance of securing a share of the Group 1 spoils is in the APC Vic Bullion 2YO Fillies Final where it will be represented by the well-bred Major Delight.

Major Delight ($1.15 fav) has drawn favorably in barrier two and the daughter of Bettors Delight should further improve on her debut heat win at Ballarat.

Picture: Club Menangle

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