Well-performed squaregaiter Meadow Valley Star faces a daunting task in his quest for a third Cup this season.
Triumphant in the Hamilton and Kadina Trotters’ Cups, Meadow Valley Star was sent for a spell after finishing at the tail of the field in the Fred Jones Cup as a $2.40 favourite last April.
Racing consistently during his previous campaign, the son of Creatine was also runner-up in the Mount Gambier, Wedderburn, Strathalbyn, Terang and Port Pirie features.
Transferred to the Tom Rundle stable during his break, Meadow Valley Star is engaged in Saturday night’s McNamara Memorial Trotters’ Cup at Geelong.
“It’s a huge ask for him,” Rundle said. “Not only is he first-up from a long spell, this is a rise in class.
“It is not an ideal starting point for him, but I couldn’t find a more suitable option.”
Runner-up in a Terang trial on September 8, Meadow Valley Star will begin from the 10-metre line with Glen Craven in the cart.
Returning from a two-month spell with a free-for-all win at Melton a fortnight ago, Rockinwithattitude remains the one to beat despite her 30-metre backmark.
“I’m happy with his condition, and he has come along well since the trial, but it would’ve been nice to find an easier race first-up,” Rundle said. “That said, I’m expecting a good showing from him.
“Rockinwithattitude is just a great mare, which was super the other week and is the measuring stick again in this.”
