Ararat reinsman Michael Bellman is looking to cause an upset on his home track tonight when he pilots  polemarker Blissfull Stride in the $35,000 Renown Silverware Ararat Pacing Cup.

The Anthony Spiteri-trained chestnut gelding is the lowest rated runner in a crackerjack edition of the Ararat Club's feature event but has drawn to enjoy a saloon passage over the 2195 metre journey.

Blissfull Stride was outgunned by Pat Stanley and Rackemup Tigerpie in the recent South Australian Pacing Cup but was far from disgraced and will appreciate the drop back in distance here.

Standing in the way of Bellman's quest are a host of in-form and classy performers headed by the Emma Stewart-trained Deedenuto and Our Millionaire, Kerry Manning's duo Pay Rise and Stroke Of Luck, last-start Echucha Cup winner Sicario, Kasbah Kid from the Geoff Webster barn and rising star General Dodge for the Mick Chircop/Jodi Quinlan combo.

If the big guns go to war while Bellman and his charge are sitting back quietly waiting, the sprint lane could come into play over the final stages and from there anything is possible.

Wimmera Wally Ararat Trots Tonight

Last return $7.90 @ Horsham Trots

Balance $175.30

Race 2 No 2 Monsieur Delacour $3 each-way

Race 3 No 2 Go Go Jolt $3 each-way

Race5 Number 8 Deltasun $4 each-way

 

 

Hoofnote: Bellman won the 2011 Ararat Pacing Cup with his favourite horse Mister Rys - 167 starts for 30 wins, 55 minor placings & $227,293 stakes, Trainer & Driver -  Michael Bellman, Owners - Michael Bellman & Tamara Lane.

Photo: Blissfull Stride and Michael Bellman. By Stuart McCormick.