Metung Tackles Boys At Betfair Park
- Tuesday, 27 July 2010 06:46
Cranbourne trainer Cindy Alderson will be hoping it's a case of 'third time lucky' for Metung Belle in tomorrow's $30,000 Betfair Handicap (2400m) at Betfair Park.
Metung Belle has placed twice at her last two Betfair Park outings including an eye-catching second in last Wednesday's $30,000 Sweet Nell Handicap (2400m) coming from last to go down less than a length on the line.
Tomorrow Metung Belle will take on the boys for the first time in her career and whilst Alderson admits it will be no easy feat she is confident it is the right race for the four-year-old mare.
"Going up against the boys for the first time is a bit of an unknown," said Alderson.
"But she is a tenacious little devil out of a Zabeel mare so the distance and track conditions will really suit her.
"I'm hoping she can measure up to the males because there isn't a lot of mares races around for her and she is thriving at the moment."
Alderson believes the daughter of Viscount can be right in the finish should Symons be able to have her closer in the run.
"She probably got too far back last week but Chris was happy with how she was travelling and always thought she was a chance," said Alderson.
"If we could settle closer to mid-field tomorrow I think she will be right in the finish."
A win with the lightly raced staying prospect would carry even greater significance for Alderson given she is raced by the family of the late Gerald Cunningham.
"Gerald was a long time friend and stalwart of the racing industry," said Alderson.
"The mare is now raced by his wife Eileen and son David and it would be fantastic if she could win for them."
Picture: Colin Bull
