Ken Barron never thought he would be jumping off stable star Mattnamaras Band in a major race this season.
Which is a good reason to have a few dollars each way on Georgetown in the $70,000 Elsu Stakes tonight.
Barron has been the most in-form trainer in thecountry in the last week, winning races on four different tracks from Alexandra Park to Invercargill but that comes with a problem - picking which horse to drive.
Mattnamaras Band was an exceptional juvenile last season and has been Barron's stable star this season, but he was outshone by Georgetown when they both raced at Alexandra Park last Friday.
"They both went great but I think Georgetown has definitely closed the gap on the other fella," said Barron. "That is why I have chosen to drive Georgetown this week, although they are both going to need luck because we are drawn out in the car park."
The pair start from the outside two draws in the 2200m event and Barron says a hot pace is their only chance.
But that wish may be granted. With some speedsters from inside barriers and good stayers like Texas Hold Em and Fiery Falcon from the second line there should be mid-race moves. Texas Hold Em has been a big improver this season and may be the horse to beat, but this is tricky and punters could need plenty in that leg of Pick6.
Earlier in the night Barron is confident of a big run from Montrose Kid in race three.
Tonight's excellent meeting sees a return clash between One Dream and Running On Faith in race five. The distance and draw suits One Dream.
The biggest risk for punters tonight could be exceptional filly Susie Maguire in race four, in which she faces a nightmare second-line draw.
