Captain to take command over rivals

DESPITE returning from a 10-week break, promising youngster Captain Rival is expected to begin his campaign on a winning note at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.

Looking to break a string of placings notched during his previous preparation, Captain Rival will face an in-form assembly over 1720 metres.

The Emma Stewart-trained colt will be first-up since finishing third in the Group One Vicbred Super Series Final on New Year’s Eve.

Captain Rival was runner-up during his three previous starts.

Pleased with the three-year-old’s progress, Stewart is confident Captain Rival can make his way into the winners’ circle.

With Mark Pitt to take the reins, Captain Rival has drawn to lead throughout from barrier two.

“He’s had a descent break and it did him the world of good,” Stewart said. “He has come up quite nicely and is ready to run a good race.

“Obviously whatever he does on the weekend he will improve on, but he is forward enough to come back as a winner.

“He’s drawn well and I can’t see any reason why he won’t make the most of it.”

Without taking away from Captain Rival’s moment in the spotlight, Stewart will be chasing a grander win during the night, with stable star Mach Dan to contest the Miracle Mile at Club Menangle.

The son of Mach Three earned a berth in the $1million Garrards-sponsored Grand Circuit event by capturing the Newcastle Mile three weeks ago.

Heavy rain last Saturday night caused the Miracle Mile to be postponed a week.

“He was in perfect shape and ready to go after two weeks between runs,” Stewart said. “The extra week between starts isn’t ideal, but we’re not complaining, after all, he’s still in the only $1million race we have!

“He’ll just spend the week doing his usual training regime and be ready to go come race time.”