Chasing perfect start to Festive Season

PROMISING pacer Dukes Choice will aim to provide connections with the perfect start to the Festive Season this weekend.

The Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Vincent has drawn to continue his winning streak in Saturday night’s Christmas Gift Final at Club Menangle.

Dukes Choice has won his last two starts over 2300 metres and a mile around Australia’s premier track.

To be driven by in-form reinsman Bailey McDonough, Dukes Choice will attempt to find the early from the pole.

“He’s hit a bit of form lately, which is good to see,” Alchin said. “When I got him from Melbourne they told me he is quirky and hard to get right, but if you do, he holds his form and they were spot on!

“At the moment he feels terrific and I expect another good run from him.

“He does have enough gate speed to hold his own, so the potential to lead is there.

“But he is best driven when following a good speed as he showed in the heat when racing two-back along the inside before finishing strongly.”

Also triumphant in a heat, Cash And Bling shapes as the main danger from barrier three for trainer Darren Binskin.

“There are a number of good chances in it, including Cash And Bling,” Alchin said. “It’s a very even race in which my bloke has drawn well and gets his chance.”

Elsewhere on the card, Alchin has Hugo Maguire engaged in the Kari J C Caffyn Plate – a popular feature for indigenous drivers.

No driver has been listed for the son of Sweet Lou, which will begin from barrier seven.

“I reckon Hugo will go very well,” Alchin said. “His sectionals were really good when coming from back in the field last week, and if the speed is on this week, he will be getting home well.”