Freshman’s undefeated status at risk

UNBEATEN freshman Soho Billinger faces a difficult task in his bid to maintain a perfect record this weekend.

Successful at his three starts for trainer Michael Stanley, Soho Billinger will contest the two-year-old event in Bendigo on Saturday night.

To be staged over 2150 metres, the event has attracted a talented field of youngsters.

“It will be his biggest test this week,” Stanley said. “There are quite a few nice two-year-olds in it.

“It’s the strongest race he has been in and he’ll have to come from a wide draw.”

Kept fresh since his win at the same venue on July 20, Soho Billinger has drawn the outside of the front row – barrier seven.

The son of Bettors Delight led throughout the 2150-metre trip from barrier five two starts ago, rating 1:58.

“The draw and having a bit of speed inside him is definitely going to make it tough,” Stanley said. “I’ll just let him come off the gate early and see where he can lob.

“He is a bit of a lazy bugger which only does what he has to, but he’s done everything right so far.”

Citing Beyond Delight as the biggest threat, Stanley is also wary of Lochinvar Chief and Holi Starzzz.

Drawn best in barrier five, Beyond Delight hasn’t raced since scoring upon debut last April.

Also first-up since April, Lochinvar Chief will come from gate six, with Holi Starzzz the sole starter from the second row.

Winner of her last four outings, following a second at her debut, Holi Starzzz’s last start was on June 15.

“Beyond Delight broke the track record at his first run and is bound to be ready to go,” Stanley said. “Holi Starzzz has done a terrific job, while Lochinvar Chief looked very promising last time in.

“It’s shaping up to be a keenly contested and interesting race.”