By Adam Hamilton
This is Robyns Playboy’s moment.
New co-trainer Robbie Morris expects the former classy Kiwi pacer to show his quality from a perfect draw in the second round of Inter Dominion heats at Bathurst tomorrow night (Wednesday).
Morris drew confidence from an “unfortunate” opening night run.
“He was going to run second or third before he basically checked himself,” Morris said. “He was going so well, he ran into trouble when I was going for runs and broke.
“It was my first drive on him and we’re getting to know each other. He felt great, though and that’s the big positive from the race.
“We had to hope for a good draw at Bathurst to keep his hopes of making the final alive and he’s got a great draw.”
Robyns Playboy drew the pole in what looks the weakest of the three heats over 1730m at Bathurst.
“I’m not sure about gate speed, but I’ll be coming out as quickly as possible to take advantage of the draw,” Morris said.
“If I can hold the front, I may well do so, but if not, I think Ignatius (gate two) will hold those outside him and he won’t want to take a sit, so we should be behind the leader.
“It’s a quick D-Day in the series for us. He needs big points or he’s no hope of making the final.
“Judging on how he felt the other night and how he’s come through it, if he gets a good run on the speed, I’m sure he’ll run a big race.”
Morris also faces an urgent situation with his exciting former Kiwi trotting mare Funky Monkey, after she broke early and only finished eighth on opening night.
“She just didn’t handle the situation. Lack of match practice was always the query with her and that’s how it turned out,” he said.
“She drew the back row and didn’t handle it when they slowed-up so she basically ran into the back of them and broke.
“Her run afterwards was really good and I was hoping we got a front row draw at Bathurst so I could just cut her loose, but she’s drawn the back row again.
“Even if I get going straight around them, Majestic Man will lead the heat and he won’t hand over.
“I’ve just got to hope she settles a bit better earlier and when I make my move, so she can finish off her race.”
Morris concedes making the final will be a challenge now.
“She’ll need to do everything right from here,” he said. “I hope she does, but whatever happens, the three runs through this series will stand her in good stead for the future.”
