The what-ifs can long keep a trots participant up at night but Rickie Alchin may have his answered in a brisk shot at redemption.
The trainer-driver of Tough Monarch told Gait Speed today he went off script and paid a price in December’s TAB Inter Dominion Trotting Championship, but gets a chance for a take two after his trotter drew gate one for Saturday’s Woodlands Great Southern Star.
In ID18 Alchin advanced from the running line to the breeze with 1200m to go, but Tough Monarch paid a price for sitting outside Tornado Valley, fading to last by the finishing line.
“On finals night I was a bit disappointed in myself for taking off on him,” he said. “I’ve always said I’d like to see this horse come with one run when the speed’s on and I threw that a bit out the window when I did take off on him.
“The Inter Dominion series, the whole series was a learning curve for me as well as the horse.”
Alchin can return to plan A for Saturday night’s $250,000 Group 1, particularly after drawing the pole mark, directly inside likely leader Tornado Valley.
“Really happy (with the draw), the way the whole barrier draw looks, it looks perfect,” Alchin said.
“I’ve always said I’d love to see this horse sitting on the back of a top liner like Tornado Valley, so hopefully we can get our chance on Saturday night.
“He’s got the world of ability. I expect him in 12 months’ time to be still at the top level, maybe one of the best. He’s had a let up now, he’s back and he’s fresh and he’s feeling really good.”
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