Horror draw puts perfect season at risk

A HORRIFIC draw has put Mach Dan’s bid for another feature victory in serious jeopardy.

Unbeaten from six starts this season, the Emma Stewart-trained gelding’s wins for the term include the Horsham and Mildura Cups.

The son of Mach Three was also triumphant in his Australian Pacing Gold heat last week which sealed him a berth in Saturday night’s $210,000 Final at Tabcorp Park Melton.

To connections’ dismay, not only has Mach Dan drawn poorly, his main danger will begin from an ideal position.

With Greg Sugars to take the reins, Mach Dan will come from barrier nine.

TAB Fixed Odds have reacted by listing the four-year-old as the $6.50 second elect.

Expensive Ego heads the table as the $1.22 favourite after drawing gate four for New South Wales horsewoman Belinda McCarthy.

Expensive Ego slots into three with the removal of the emergency, with the son of Rock N Roll Heaven predicted to have no trouble finding the lead.

“The draw couldn’t have worked out any worse,” Stewart said.

“Mach Dan drawing the back row is disappointing enough, but with Expensive Ego off the front, it makes it very difficult to see him being beaten.

“Mach Dan has his work cut out for him, but he is in magnificent condition and ready to run the race of his life.”