By Adam Hamilton
THE All Stars barn may have turned it’s back on Perth’s summer riches, but two of Australia’s best pacers are headed across.
Former Inter Dominion champ Tiger Tara and Tim Butt’s one-time Miracle Mile hero My Field Marshal remain on target for the Fremantle and WA Pacing Cups on January 10 and 17.
But their paths to Perth could be very different.
Fresh from a slashing first-up second at Menangle last Saturday, My Field Marshal will go to the Shirley Turnbull Memorial at Bathurst on Boxing Day.
While Tiger Tara also a remains a chance of heading to Bathurst, trainer Kevin Pizzuto seems keener on heading to Perth earlier for a lead-up race.
“That’s the way I’m leaning, get across there and have a run before the two big races,” he said.
“I’m exploring flights to see what’s possible, but that would be my preferred option.”
Tiger Tara returned from a break when a tiring third after leading in the same race at My Field Marshal (and won by Alta Orlando) at Menangle last Saturday.
“I thought he was the run of the race. He did all the bullocking work and the others just ran home late,” Pizzuto said.
“He’s come on well and has always been a horse who thrives on racing.
“He’ll definitely need another run before (the Fremantle Cup), hopefully that’s in Perth.”
Pizzuto, who is clearly frustrated by the lack of random draw free-for-alls at Menangle, is annoyed his other stable star, Majordan, has an outside draw to contend with when he resumes tomorrow (Saturday).
“He’s really well, very forward and ready to run a big race, but he’ll probably get beaten as well considering the work he’ll have to do from that draw,” he said.
“It’s just not fair on these top horses. The less I have to race them at Menangle the better with this system. They should at least have every second free-for-all being a random draw.”
Majordan has eased from $2.70 to $2.80 on he Aussie TAB, while former Kiwi pacer Hail Christian has been crunched from $3.30 into $2 favourite. He’s chasing his third win from as many starts back in NSW.