Evergreen veteran can’t be overlooked

THOSE overlooking Bulletproof Boy ahead of this weekend’s Melton meeting should reconsider.

Regardless of his form heading into, or his draw in, Saturday night’s meeting, Bulletproof Boy should not be dismissed when contesting what has become his pet event – Smoken Up Sprint.

Last season as a 10-year-old the Scott Ewen-trained gelding beat arguably the all-time greatest pacer ever produced in the southern hemisphere – Leap To Fame – at the mouthwatering odds of $71.

As the $3 second elect in 2023, Bulletproof Boy upstaged odds-on favourite Catch A Wave.

In 2021 the son of Art Official scored while on the fourth line of betting when the feature was conducted in Bendigo.

“It is a race he seems to love,” Ewen said. “Hopefully he can do it again.

“Just like last year he is going to need a lot of luck and just as much magic from James (Herbertson, driver).

“If he gets those, then who knows, he may pull off another miracle.”

Drawn awkwardly in barrier 10, Bulletproof Boy is listed at $13 via TAB Fixed Odds, with Fighter Command a $1.45 favourite from gate two.

To be driven by Jason Lee, Fighter Command enters the Listed Classic with two wins from his last three starts.

“Fighter Command is clearly the one to beat,” Ewen said. “Our Sunset Delight brings down some top form with him from Menangle, so he’d be the main danger.

“He’s drawn three and is likely to go looking for the lead, so the speed may be on early, which will suit my bloke.”