Acid test for rising star trotter

RISING star Sammy Showdown will face an acid test at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday night.

Creating a huge impression as he’s raced through the grades this season, Sammy Showdown is unbeaten from five starts for the term.

As such trainer Kylie Sugars has decided to enter the son of Bacardi Lindy in The Knight Pistol.

Carrying Group One status, the 2240-metre feature has attracting a top field, including outstanding squaregaiter Tornado Valley.

Prepared by Andy Gath, Tornado Valley captured the Great Southern Star a fortnight ago while Sammy Showdown was an effortless winner against free-for-all company earlier in the evening.

“To have him in a Group One so early in his season is quite exciting,” Sugars said. “I was thinking more along the lines of the Group One Vicbred later in the year.

“This is a big step up for him and will really test him, but I’m looking forward to seeing how he will measure up.”

To be driven by Sugars, Sammy Showdown has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier three.

TAB Fixed Odds have reacted by listing the four-year-old as the $5 second elect.

Tornado Valley is the $2.10 favourite despite drawing gate nine.

Such is the depth of the field, Temporale, Massive Metro and Red Hot Tooth are under double figures!

“Tornado Valley is the one to beat, but there are so many chances,” Sugars said. “It wouldn’t be a surprise to see at least half the field win on the night.

“From the draw we should be able to get into a good position and hopefully be in the finish.”