Boutique trainer chasing maiden Group win

AIDED by a handy draw, astute horseman Jamie Cassar has a strong opportunity to register his initial Group win this weekend.

Training a boutique team for two decades, Cassar has contested a Group One and Two without luck.

That could change at Club Menangle on Saturday night with Cassar poised to be represented in a pair of Breeders’ Challenge Finals.

Engaged in the $100,000 decider for three-year-old colts and geldings, Paradise Point is among the outsiders from a difficult draw.

Runner-up in his heat, Paradise Point received barrier 11, but slots into 10 with the removal of the emergency.

“He is racing well, but will need plenty of luck in this,” Cassar said. “Not only is it the toughest field he has faced, he’s the widest drawn runner.

“A lot will have to go his way, but if it does, he will let them know he is there.”

Cassar’s prospects improve in the two-year-old division with Matt Gregors Boy drawn to search for the front from gate three.

Leading throughout from the same draw in a heat at the world class venue last week, Matt Gregors Boy boasts an impressive record of three wins and a third from four starts.

“He’s a nice type which has improved with each start,” Cassar said. “They have both trained on well since the heats, but I’m particularly happy with Matt.

“Again, it is a strong field, but from the draw, I expect him to be in it a long way.”