Trainer Mat Ellerton is hoping dual Group One-winning mare Response can run second to unbeaten champion Black Caviar in Saturday’s Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington.
Ellerton, who co-trains the five-year-old daughter of Charge Forward with his cousin Simon Zahra, said she had a “bye” on Derby Day last Saturday when 12th of 15 to Hurtle Myrtle in the Group One Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington.
“She drew near the fence and was jammed up behind them and didn’t do anything,” he said.
“She didn’t expend too much energy and pulled up bright and well on Sunday morning.
“We’re hoping she can run second as the prizemoney ($180,000) is pretty good.”
Ellerton was happy with Response, to be piloted by Dwayne Dunn, drawing barrier six in the seven-horse field.
Meanwhile, one punter hasn’t been put off by the short odds on offer about superstar sprinter Black Caviar, outlaying $100,000 on her at $1.07 with TAB Sportsbet which would net him a $7000 profit if she makes it a 16th straight victory.
Leading trainer Peter Moody has stacked the Group One 1200m weight-for-age straight 1200m feature with four runners with Curtana, Mid Summer Music and Panipique joining their champion stablemate.
Former Australian Horse of the Year Scenic Blast, Queensland’s Buffering and Response oppose the Moody quartet.
Black Caviar is after back-to-back wins in the Patinack Farm Classic after last year landing the first of six straight Group Ones when she defeated Star Witness by four lengths.
She has followed the same path as last spring, winning the Group Two Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield and the Group Two Schweppes Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Black Caviar has drawn barrier four and gives Luke Nolen the chance to win the race for the first time as he was suspended last year when Ben Melham filled in for him.
Black Caviar has firmed to $1.05 with Mid Summer Music at $17, Buffering ($26), Response ($31) with Curtana and Scenic Blast at $41 and Panipique at $126.
Mid Summer Music is at $2.30 in the “Black Caviar out” market ahead of Buffering ($4.40), Curtana and Response ($5.50) and Scenic Blast ($7.50) with Panipique at $21.
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