Hot pots to dominate grass track features

Two of the more quiet achievers of the Cup Week undercard look set to dominate separate grass track features today at Methven.

Impressive four-year-old Chase The Dream will start a short priced favourite in the Methven Green Mile for the pacers off the back of his stunning fresh up victory on Show Day at Addington.

The Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen trained pacer hasn’t been sighted since the performance but will strip a fit and ready horse when he walks out onto the green top this afternoon with Rasmussen in the bike.

Despite having never raced on grass before, the striking individual opened up a warm order favourite in the one mile event ahead of Classie Brigade who will be out to go one better than his second last weekend at Orari.

The Nigel McGrath trained pacer was a brave second and has the advantage of a good barrier draw to work forward early and make the others try and chase him.

“He’s been brilliant this week,” McGrath said.

“I’ve taken him out for a bowl on the beach a couple of times and he’s really impressed me with how he has felt.”

Franco Texas will hold many keys to the race with his blistering gate speed as Jess Young looks to go back-to-back in the race after winning with Quick As A Trick last year.

He’s back to defend his title too, but will start from the outside of the front line with John Dunn pressing the go button early a high possibility considering the gelding’s high cruising speed.

The enigma of the race is without doubt, Mossdale Conner.

A former winner of the race, he will be looking to bounce back to form over the shorter distance after disappointing last week.

“He’s just not going like he can,” driver Ricky May said.

“Hopefully the one mile will suit him and we can see the best of him.”

Mossdale Conner starts from one on the second line.

Earlier in the day, Marcoola, like Chase The Dream, will start a hot favourite in the trotting Green Mile.

The progressive trotter was a brilliant second behind Monbet on Cup Day and comes into this week with the aid of having won a workout on the Methven track last weekend.

He is one of three runners in the race for Ken Ford who will also line up Amaretto Sun and grass track toff, Zachary Binx.

Super Selector – By Matt Markham

Race 1: Time For Diamonds, China Express, Lola Leigh, Dragon’s Sister

Race 2: Red Moon Rising, Unico Enchantress, Novak, All About Henry

Race 3: Dancing In The Dark, Shards Halo, Curlimore, Mr Woodlea

Race 4: Mossdale Sue, Playingintheshadows, Sky City King, Jay FM

Race 5: Missinmemate, Julia Lady, Mrs Browns Boys, No More Change

Race 6: Debaneyre, Jean Sebastien, All Star Angus, BK Dawn

Race 7: Vincent, Franco Tristan, Bevan’s Cullen, Dana Duke

Race 8: Marcoola, Amaretto Sun, Le Lievre’s Gift, Harrysul

Race 9: Myidealson, Augusta, Run Boy Run, Magical Mitch

Race 10: Classie Brigade, Chase The Dream, Mossdale Conner, Johnny Eyre

Race 11: Cruzy Dude, Motu Lightning Lass, Regal Major, Crackabella

Best Bet: Red Moon Rising (Race 2)

Value: Motu Lightning Lass (Race 11)