Top crucial for free-rolling Swamp in Metro Pace Final

Michael Stanley has emphasised the importance of the pre-post favorite Drain The Swamp finding the front in Saturday night’s Group 3 Alabar Vicbred Platinum Metropolitan Pace Final at Melton.

The Burrumbeet trainer-driver is hoping the four-year-old can replicate last week’s heat win when he led all the way in a mile rate of 1:53.1min.

“He has won all his races leading and that’s his go,” Stanley said.

“He lacks real point-to-point speed but he keeps going, so when he leads I just let him roll and hopefully he gets the others off the bit.”

Drain The Swamp raised a few eyebrows two starts ago when he flashed home at $151 to be runner-up behind Bettors Delight in the Group 1 APG 4YO Entires and Geldings Final at Menangle.

However, Stanley is realistic when analysing the pacer’s performance in Sydney.

“Look he had a soft trip and he hit the line well, but it wasn’t the strongest APG Final we’ve seen,” he said.

“He went as good as he has been going and the genuine tempo in that race was what he needs when he can’t find the lead.”

Stanley acknowledges the favorable barrier (three) enhances his chances of working to the lead shortly after the start on Saturday night.

“He’s pretty quick out and the draw gives him every chance of finding the front,” he said.

Last week’s other heat winner La Captain is vying for favouritism with Drain The Swamp and the impeccably bred four-year-old is well placed to add to the plethora of winners coming out of the in- form Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars stable.

Bookmakers have kept the Julie Douglas-trained Ozzie Playboy ($8.50) safe in pre-race betting after being allocated the coveted pole position.

A noted quick beginner, Ozzie Playboy has drawn to hold the early lead with young gun reinsman Jack Laugher likely to settle for the trail behind Drain The Swamp and take his chances at a successful home straight dive bomb at the favorite.