Draw toughens title defence

TOMORROW night’s draw has toughened Commodus title defence according to trainer Jayne Davies.

Although pleased with the son of Father Patrick heading into the Vicbred Super Series Final in Melton, Davies is wary of Commodus’ starting position – barrier 11.

“It couldn’t be much worse,” Davies said. “He’s got the second row, which makes it his last three starts now.

“He came from there to win his heat, but the Final is harder again as you would expect.

“From there you pretty much have the entire field in front of you, so you’re up against it from the start.”

Boasting five wins and a second from his last seven outings, Commodus was eased away from the mobile before being sent forward three-wide to find the lead in his heat on his way to an 11-and-a-half metre win.

The start before Commodus had no luck from gate 11 when unplaced in the Victoria Derby.

TAB Fixed Odds also has the three-year-old on the second line of betting at $2.50, with Derby hero Mecarno a $1.80 from barrier 13.

Triumphant during his last three starts, Mecarno was also successful in his series heat after occupying the ‘death seat’.

“Michael (Bellman) has Mecarno flying and he is clearly the one to beat,” Davies said. “We’ve got our bloke feeling as good as we can, now it is up to Chris (Alford) to work it out when the starter lets them go.”