Cup winner back to his peak

HAVING benefitted from a solid outing last weekend, top pacer Wrangler is expected to have no trouble returning to Globe Derby’s winners’ circle tomorrow night.

In what was his first start from a 12-week break, Wrangler was an eye-catching third in quick time.

Pleased with the gelding’s performance, trainer Paul Cavallaro is positive Wrangler can add to his record of 20 wins and 44 placings.

Wrangler’s previous success was in the South Australia Cup on April 30.

“I was more than happy with his first-up run,” Cavallaro said. “They haven’t been running trials over here so he wasn’t as forward as I would of liked last week.

“He was never going to be put into any battles for that reason and ran up to expectations.

“His work this week has been a lot sharper and he’ll be pretty right on Saturday night.”

To be driven by Dean Girardi, Wrangler has drawn barrier four against just four rivals in the 1800-metre contest.

Betting markets have the son of Bettors Delight as a $1.90 favourite, with Joes A Character considered the biggest threat at $2.40 from gate five.

Cavallaro will also be represented by Cullenburn, which will begin from barrier three.

The son of Christian Cullen was also third when fresh from a spell in mid July before a luckless seventh in Mildura last week.

“He’s also come up well,” Cavallaro said. “He’s had two runs back and is feeling terrific.

“If he gets the right run he’s more than ready to win.”