Consistent sprinter Beyond Pardon will back up from a Moonee Valley victory as the top qualifier in the All-Victorian Sprint Final at Flemington.
Trainer Robert Smerdon said the $150,000 was too tempting to pass up and has declared the horse a certain runner in Saturday’s 1200m straight feature.
“If he’s upright and breathing he will be there,” Smerdon said.
“How could you not run him for that sort of money.”
Beyond Pardon amassed 26 points through the series heats, winning the second at Caulfield on May 24, running third in the third heat at Caulfield and second in the fourth, the Golden Topaz, at Swan Hill.
He also gained a point when unplaced in the Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool in May.
Beyond Pardon was in the zone on Saturday when he led all the way to win the Kyabram Club Hcp (1200m) by four lengths at the Valley.
Smerdon said the four-year-old would have a quiet week as his Flemington mission would be his third run on consecutive Saturdays.
“He’s honest, he’s predictable, and he’s got a great constitution,” Smerdon said.
“He doesn’t win often but he has been a good stakes earner and good fun for the owners.”
Only 16 of the 61 horses that competed in the Sprint series were nominated for Saturday’s final, including second top qualifier Uxorious (20 points).
Another four horses who did not compete in the series were also entered and all are assured of a run with a 20-horse field capacity.
Alittlevolcanic, Gold Clooney, Suvarna and the Peter Moody-trained Mid Summer Music all missed the heats but are entered for the final.
Moody also has last year’s All-Victorian Sprint Final winner Elumino nominated but Mid Summer Music is an outstanding chance having scored remarkable wins at her two starts this campaign at Caulfield and Moonee Valley.
Moody may also snag an unlikely start with talented galloper Mr Make Believe in the $200,000 Winter Championship Final (1600m).
One of seven unqualified entries, the four-year-old has won his past three starts at Sandown (twice) and Moonee Valley.
He didn’t get a run as an emergency in the sixth series heat at Flemington on June 25 and Moody has no other contenders for the race which he won last year with Doubtful Jack.
A total of 20 qualified horses are nominated for Saturday’s final which is limited to 16 runners and four emergencies.
Top qualifiers with 18 points each for this year’s race are last start Flemington winner Dr Nipandtuck and Cranbourne heat winner Tough Future.
Both horses can earn connections a $50,000 bonus if they win the final.
Rocky Times (17), Tiakinui (14), Jungle Ruler (12) and Nicastro (11) are other prominent qualifiers among the nominations.
AAP TURF
