Bad boy comes good

TRAIDTIONALLY when a trainer heads to the races with a stable representative they hope the entrant will be on its best behaviour.

That isn’t the case with Jill Neilson, who hopes at least one of her upcoming runners is a ‘ratbag’.

Having had a “bee in his bonnet” before competing at Globe Derby last weekend, Marty Major turned that attitude into a winning performance – his first since last July.

With Marty Major engaged in the opening event at the same venue on Saturday night, Neilson will be pleased if the son of Art Major misbehaves leading up to the contest.

“I’m not sure what had him in a mood last weekend, but he had a bee in his bonnet from the time he was put in the float until he raced,” Neilson said.

“For whatever reason, his moodiness ended up with a win, so if he is like that again this weekend, I won’t be complaining.”

Drawn well in barrier four, Marty Major is among the leading chance, with the gelding’s prospects bolstered by the scratching of early favourite, Canada Bay.

“I’m happy with the draw, which should see him settle in a good position,” Neilson said. “He’s moving up as a C2 and there are C3 and C4s in the race, so it will be a test for him.

“His work has been good and he should go well.”