Martini Out To Prove Himself As A Major Contender
Trainer Justin Prentice has given talented pacer Major Martini a glowing endorsement, as he makes his long-awaited return to racing in tomorrow night’s Bettor Your Bet With TABtouch RWWA Pace (2536m).
The four-year-old hasn’t started since last year’s WA Derby, where he was runner-up to Patronus Star.
The gelding had one trial ahead of his return, where he defeated consistent performer Im Soxy over 2185m at Pinjarra.
Prentice said he was happy with how Major Martini was tracking for his return.
“He’s been working well,” he told TABradio.
“His trial was good.
“It was a pretty rain affected track so Junior just looked after him and get him around safe and sound.
“He broke 27 for his last quarter on a slow track so that was good to see.”
Major Martini has been installed a $1.36 favourite with TABtouch for the $30,000 event and is expected to push for the lead from barrier two.
Euphoria, a winner last Friday night, has drawn barrier one and is on the second line of betting at $3.70.
The in-form Otis is at $7.50 and has drawn barrier three.
Prentice said he was looking forward to seeing how Major Martini performed against older and fitter horses but still expected a forward showing.
WATCH – Major Martini’s Western Gateway Win
“It’s obviously a long time away from the races so whatever he’s going to take a few runs to keep improving,” he said.
“It’s a good field and he’s going out of the Derby to older horses.
“He hasn’t raced them yet.
“I expect him to be hard to beat tomorrow night. It’s a small field but there’s some nice horses in it.”
Prentice said he wouldn’t rush Major Martini to Free-For-All company but added he would give his charge every possible chance to get to the Fremantle and WA Pacing Cups early in the New Year.
“I’ll let him tell me whether he’s ready for it mentally and physically when we get closer,” he said.
“It’s not something necessarily that I’ve bought him back for.
“We want to have a horse for a long time.
“We will do the right thing by him.”
Tomorrow night’s Gloucester Park meeting gets underway at 5.22.
Tim Walker
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