Drawn to continue perfect season

PROMISING pacer Auckland Red has a prime opportunity to continue his perfect season in Ballarat on Saturday night.

Scoring first-up for trainer Michael Cole last April, Auckland Red was then hampered by a “minor setback” before returning with a victory in late July.

Successful at his two subsequent starts, the son of Auckland Reactor has drawn to register his fifth consecutive win for Cole, who races Auckland Red on lease.

“I actually tried to buy him as a young horse, but Geoff Smith who owned and trained him didn’t want to sell him,” Cole said.

“Then one day Geoff told me he had to have a knee operation and asked if I would train him.

“He’s been very good and on Saturday night if he can make it five from five it would be nice.”

To be driven by Cole, Auckland Red has drawn to lead throughout from the pole.

The four-year-old set the pace from barrier one to score in 1:54.9 around Kilmore a fortnight ago.

“I’m pretty happy with the draw,” Cole said. “He certainly gets his chance from there.

“I haven’t had a chance to have a good look at the field yet, but based on the nominations I thought The Dude will be the hardest to beat.”

Prepared by premiership winning horseman Andy Gath, The Dude will come from gate seven – the outside of the front row.

Boasting five wins and three placings from his 10 Australian starts, The Dude is first-up since last May.