A stable switch could prove the key to Pioneer Seven, with the promising sprinter set to debut for the Shane Baertschiger stable on Sunday
Formerly trained by Mok Zhan Lun, the son of Flying Pegasus displayed good ability placing in 11 of his 17 starts, including five wins.
Though returning in good order, his two efforts prior to a spell were well below his best — safely held behind Cavallo and El Padrino.Now under the care of Shane Baertschiger, Pioneer Seven looks to have returned in good order — only narrowly beaten in a recent trial behind Media Captain.
Travelling comfortably under Matthew Kellady, Pioneer Seven worked to the line under his own steam and recorded slick time in the process.Set to line up in the seventh event, Pioneer Seven appears very well placed, when taking a line through his first up performance last preparation.
On that occasion he finished second behind Southern Boss over 1000m.Beaten a length-and-a-half, Pioneer Seven now meets Southern Boss significantly better at the weights (10kg).
Given Southern Boss is the form horse of the race, it points strongly to Pioneer Seven measuring up down in the weights.Leading rider Manoel Nunes sticks aboard and has placed in six of nine attempts aboard the four-year-old ¬¬¬– surprisingly this will be just the third time Nunes has ridden for the Baertschiger stable.
With a number of speedsters engaged, the first 200m could be crucial to the final outcome of the event.From barrier four, Pioneer Seven should be able settle just off the speed, with Goal Keeper and Southern Boss likely to battle it out for the lead.
Both Super Kenny and Huka Falls also possess good early speed and shouldn’t be too far away.Pioneer Seven has placed in three of five first up attempts and if able to enjoy a good run in transit, he should be able to continue this handy trend.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Pioneer Seven rates clear and a return to his best should see him right in the finish.Given the expected fast tempo, the race shape could end up favouring those likely to settle back in the field.
With this being the case, the Mark Walker trained Golden Sand Steed shapes as one of the main contenders, following his eye-catching first up display.Working home strongly to finish second behind Southern Boss, the five-year-old returned a near peak performance and has never missed the money racing second up.Craig Newitt links aboard for the first time, and from the awkward draw should settle just off midfield.
His closing sectionals last start proved most impressive and if able to repeat this afternoon, he is expected to be right around the mark.No question Southern Boss is the form galloper of the race, having won three of his last five starts.
However, the main query this afternoon is whether he will be able to run out a strong 1100m, with the increased race pressure up-front.Southern Boss has continued to raise the bar with each performance this time in and if able to follow a similar progression, he should prove hard to catch.
Of the rest the Laurie Laxon trained Huka Falls cannot be taken lightly.His performance behind Happy Money held plenty of merit last start, and he should appreciate the drop back in trip for this affair.
Former Australian based jockey Michael Rodd links aboard for the first time and he is expected to make his presence felt.Good luck and happy punting.
