Red-hot Mercenary chasing more money at Charlton

Having put a hit on country cups during his past two starts, Mercenary has been targeted at a hat-trick by trainer Kelvin Barker.

Triumphant in the Ararat and Horsham Trotters’ Cups during the past fortnight, Mercenary is engaged in Charlton’s edition on Sunday.

The feature is part of a strong card, which includes the Pacing Cup along with the Central Victorian Championships for trotters and pacers.

“He has been pulling up well, so I may as well keep him going,” Barker said. “He is trotting well and feeling good and won without getting cheap runs…he’s done some work.

“It was nice to get one Cup win, let alone two, and I’m not greedy, but gee, a third would be nice.”

Previously scoring from the front line, Mercenary has been moved back to the 10-metre handicap this time around.

To be driven by James Herbertson, the son of Majestic Son has drawn closest to the pegs from the three on that handicap.

First-up since capturing the Stawell Cup last December, One Over All is the sole backmarker on the 30-metre line.

“It will be harder this week as it is a bigger field and a class rise to navigate, but in saying that, he should be right in it,” Barker said. “If he gets through the traffic, it will take a good one to beat him.

“At the end of the day they are all dangers, but he is in the right form and has fitness on a few as well, so I expect him to go close.”

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