Fitter for the Final, but is that enough?

A HANDY fourth in his heat, Alive And Free is expected to be an improver for Saturday night’s Golden Nursery Final.

Successful upon debut in Shepparton on September 12, Alive And Free was transferred to prominent horsewoman Samantha Pascoe ahead of his Globe Derby appearance.

Pleased with the two-year-old’s performance, Pascoe has no doubt the son of Lazarus will be fitter for the $25,000 decider.

Whether Alive And Free will forward enough to win, however, remains to be seen according to Pascoe.

“The run has done him the world of good,” Pascoe said. “He’s going to strip fitter for the Final, there is no doubt about that, but he’s still not as fit as he can be.

“I’d be a lot more confident if he’d had another run under his belt, but he is going into it as good as I can have him in the time frame.”

To be driven by Pascoe, Alive And Free has drawn barrier five, but slots into four with the removal of the emergency.

Despite drawing gate seven – the outside of the front row – Pascoe believes Bay Jim Major is the one to beat.

“We’ve got a handy enough draw which should see him pop into a good spot early,” Pascoe said. “If he can get the right run he can figure in the finish.

“It’s a strong bunch of two-year-olds, but Bay Jim Major shapes as the standout and clearly the one to beat.”