McDonald To Dominate Ballarat Fletcher Jones Trophy
Leading trainer Darren McDonald has two top chances engaged in Wednesday nights Fletcher Jones Trophy at Morshead Park.
McDonald qualified Held For Ransom and Cold Cold Change for the Grade 5 Final to be run over 450 metres.
Held For Ransom has won six of his fifteen race starts, and is from the dam Witch Magic which won the 2006 Ballarat Cup.
Held For Ransom jumped from Box 8 last week and never gave his opposition a chance, recording an impressive 3.5 length win in a scintillating 25.37 seconds.
All six of his wins have been over similar distances to the final, but he will have to overcome an awkward Box 4 draw and an expected dash to the first turn.
Cold Cold Change was also an impressive heat winner last week when he was slow out, but mustered plenty of speed to salute the judge by 3.5 lengths.
The son of Big Daddy Cool is a real up and comer for McDonald and has won five of his seven race starts, which included a city class win at Sandown.
Cold Cold Change has not drawn the outside box so far in his career, but has shown that he is a versatile chaser who should give a good account of himself.
In another training feat, young Yarragon trainer Scott Holmes has also qualified two runners for the Final.
Holmes has Karen Reltub which will jump from Box 2, and Perrini from Box 7.
Karen Reltub put up a good effort to run second to Held For Ransom last week, whilst Perrini overcame a check to run over the top of Boss Saquan.
The pair are sure to give a good account of themselves if they are able to get a clear run in the race.
Fletcher Jones Trophy Preview
Tornado Tom
Tornado Tom- Trainer : G Ennis, Sandhurst
- Comment : Heat winner last week in a handy 25.52 from same box draw as tonight. Five starts at the track for a win and two minor placings
Karen Reltub
Karen Reltub- Trainer : S. Holmes, Yarragon
- Comment : Pacy beginner who could prove hard to catch from box draw. Has only had one start at the track for a second behind Held For Ransom
Rohan's Article
Rohan's Article- Trainer : C. Johannsen, Devon Meadows
- Comment : Ran second behind Cold Cold Change last week when led from Box 1
Held For Ransom
Held For Ransom- Trainer : D. McDonald, Cranbourne
- Comment : Impressive 25.37 winner in heat last week when exited Box 8. One of the main chances
Albus Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore- Trainer : L. Cockerell, Buckley
- Comment : Has an awkward draw and will need luck in running
Happy New Year
Happy New Year- Trainer : L. Mitchell, Winchelsea
- Comment : Drawn awkwardly but was a good second behind Tornado Tom last week
Perrini
Perrini- Trainer : S. Holmes, Yarragon
- Comment : Promising type who overcame a check in running to record a good victory last week
Cold Cold Change
Cold Cold Change- Trainer : D. McDonald, Cranbourne
- Comment : Impressive heat winner last week. Up and comer who has won 5 of his 7 race starts
Synchronizing
Synchronizing- Trainer : M. Rudd, Cranbourne
- Comment : Pacy type but will need luck if she gets a run
Boss Saquan
Boss Saquan- Trainer : E. Lloyd, Anakie
- Comment : Second behind Perrini last week but yet to win over this trip