Nightmare draw, but Mat's APG dream still alive

Mat Rue knows his mare Boulevardofdreams will need a bit of luck from a wide barrier draw to figure in Saturday night’s APG Vic Gold Bullion final for three-year-old fillies at Melton.

The bay pacer out of Partyontheboulevard has drawn gate seven for the $150,000 event.

“We just have to hope there is an absolute ton of speed on,” Rue said.

The draw aside, the three-year-old is fighting fit ahead of the final after finishing third in the New South Wales heat at Menangle last Thursday.

“She is coming into the race really well,” Rue said. “She will back up well, but she should run a pretty nice race.

“She is actually a pretty classy filly, but things have gotten a lot harder for her with the draw.”

The 34-year-old trainer-driver thinks the winner of two races from eight starts has plenty of potential.

“She has always showed above-average talent and her heat run was really nice. She got knocked sideways going into the straight, she regathered herself and finished up quite strong,” he said.

The 1720m event will be the first interstate trip for the pacer and the Bathurst reinsman isn’t concerned.

“She shouldn’t have any issues (with the travel), she is a good eater,” he said.

“She will stay at John Caldow’s place. He has great facilities and she should settle in well. Maree (Caldow) and John could not be more welcoming.”

Menangle heat winner Libby Lou will start from one for trainer-driver Blake Fitzpatrick, while Aaron Dunn’s Dee Roe has barrier seven after winning the Victorian qualifier.

The APG Vic Gold Bullion fillies’ final is set to go at 7.02pm.

Picture:Bathurst Harness Racing Club