By Michael Guerin
The only filly in the first running of the $500,000 Hill Lee and Scott THE VELOCITY today (6.36pm) may decide the fate of the best boy in the race.
Chase A Dream will start a short priced favourite in the slot race for three-year-old pacers but faces the tricky prospect of starting from one on the second line in the 10-horse field.
That could be a good or bad thing depending on how the sole filly in the race Coastal Babe leaves from barrier 1 and the attitude of driver Matty White after that.
If Coastal Babe leads and stays in front, getting Chase A Dream to the passing lane or even somewhere he can break free of the market peg shackles, then the favourite should win.
Without Cold Chisel there and after his huge last-start win Chase The Dream is the best horse in this race and he left little doubt about his form with a win in the Cup trial last week.
Of course with Blair Orange driving he may well get off and be too good anyway but if Coastal Babe leads at least early it will make his life, and the watch for favourite punters, a lot easier.
So will the filly, a last-start winner of the Victoria Oaks, want to try the same tactics she did that night?
“I think the owners are keen on that idea but ultimately it that will be Matty’s decision,” says trainer Steven Reid.
“I have only had her back from Australia for a week but she seems really well so she will be in front at some stage.”
Jeremiah looks the most logical and maybe only danger in the early rush with the six and four configuration in what looks a wonderful first edition of the new race.
