Astute Anakie trainer Jeff Britton has a strong ‘double hand’ in tonight’s Aston Derby final (450m) – Race 8, 8.37pm – at Warrnambool.
Britton is represented by January ’20 Barcia Bale x Mepunga Molly litter brothers Mepunga Mustang (Box 2) and Bang (Box 3) in the $7500 to-the-winner event.
Both scored brilliant heat wins last week, with Mepunga Mustang (24.85sec) setting the time standard and Bang (24.99sec) the second fastest qualifier.
Mepunga Mustang, which has won seven from 13 and is five from six at Warrnambool, is TAB’s $2.25 favourite. Bang, which is four from 11 and two from two on the track/distance, is an $8.50 chance
However, Britton says their respective box draws are a concern.
“Whether Mepunga Mustang has drawn well, I don’t know,” he said. “Hopefully he doesn’t move off the track and they ‘find’ each other.”
Britton added that Mepunga Mustang, which has a sizzling 29.18sec Sandown Park win to his credit, is “a bit special”.
“Hopefully he doesn’t move off the track and they ‘find’ each other.”
“He’s more robust than his brother, but Bang is getting stronger with more racing and maturity.
“If he gets a clear run early, Mepunga Mustang is my pick, but Bang won’t be far behind him.”
The immediate dangers to the Britton duo appear to be Go Go Ringo (Box 1) and Old News (Box 7) which are $3.10 and $5.00 respectively on TAB’s fixed odds market.
WATCH: Mepunga Mustang (4) was ‘turbocharged’ in his 24.85sec heat win, scoring by 9.4 lengths.
Prepared at Rowsley by Matt Lanigan, Go Go Ringo posted a 25.03sec heat win. He’s won five from 13 and is unbeaten in three starts over 450m at Warrnambool.
Old News, trained by Brooke Ennis at Lara, was second in his heat (beaten 1.25 lengths) to Bang. He’s won four from nine.
Pawnote: The connections of the Aston Derby winner also receive a free service to stud dog Aston Dee Bee valued at $4400 or cash to the same value.
Mepunga Mustang with handler Tim Britton after ‘motoring’ to a speeding 29.18sec (Best) win at Sandown Park on October 17 last year.
