A quick glance suggests Michael Bellman has every reason to be disappointed in Sunday’s Victoria Trotters’ Derby draw.
Aiming for his maiden Group 1 victory, Bellman’s prospects appear to be hampered by a second row starting position at Maryborough.
Bellman, however, believes barrier 10 could have its advantages.
“It’s actually not that bad,” Bellman said. “From there I won’t be involved in any early hustle for position and it gives me time to balance and settle into stride.
“Hopefully from that point we’ll get the run we need and be able to fight out the finish.”
Bellman will be represented by Mecarno, which earned his berth in the Blue Riband with an eye-catching heat win last weekend.
Leading from barrier two before being eased to take a trail, Mecarno scored in 2:01.5 over 2690 metres, with his time a second quicker than Commodus in the opening heat.
“I was happy with his heat run and am very pleased with the way he has come through it,” Bellman said. “He got home, ate up, and was looking a treat the next morning.
“Obviously the Final is another step up, but he’s ready to go.
“Like I said, I hope to get into a handy position without bustling him early, and with a bit of luck, the draw will work out for us.”
Citing Commodus as the one to beat, Bellman also rates Gatesys Gem and Vytis highly.
Second behind Mecarno, Gatesys Gem has fared best in barrier five. The filly slots into four with the removal of the emergency.
Commodus will come from gate 11, while Vytis – which was runner-up behind Commodus in their qualifier – has drawn seven.
Gatesys Gem heads TAB Fixed Odds markets at $1.75, with Commodus next at $3.50 followed by Mecarno on $7.
Vytis rounds out the top four at $11.
“Commodus has pretty much been the measuring stick of the crop and he’s the one to beat again,” Bellman said. “Gatesys Gem is a high-quality filly, while Vytis has proven he can beat them all on his night.
“It’s going to be a very interesting race. One you can run several times and probably get a different outcome on each occasion.”
