“I’d love it if I could drive them all”

IF HE could, Pete McMullen would channel his inner Ben Hur at Albion Park tonight.

With multiple options in some of the evening’s features, McMullen would prefer to drive each runner during their respective missions.

This includes Adam Crocker, Blacksadance and Will The Wizard in the Four-Year-old Championship.

Trained by McMullen’s partner, Chantal Turpin, the trio have drawn barriers one, two and three.

“I’d love it if I could drive them all,” McMullen said. “It would have to chariot style though, which would be made easier given they’ve drawn together!

“Unfortunately, these things happen and you have to choose, so I have stuck with Blacksadance.

“It’s not that I think he has a much better chance than the other two, it’s just a commitment I made to stick with him.

“Chantal will drive Adam Crocker and Hayden Barnes will drive Will The Wizard.

“It’s a step up for all of them, but they’ve drawn well and will be competitive.”

McMullen also had to make a choice between Hemsworth and Uncle Shank in the South East Derby and elected to partner the latter.

Winner of his two starts this season, Uncle Shank will begin from gate nine, with Hemsworth to come from 12 with Turpin in the sulky.

“They’re both going well, but will need luck from the draws,” McMullen said.

Elsewhere on the card McMullen will take the reins behind Shes Miss Devine in the South East Oaks and Majestic Simon in the Trotting Championship.

“Shes Miss Devine is in terrific form and can’t be taken lightly even from the middle of the second row,” McMullen said.

“Majestic Simon has got a big task ahead of him from 30 metres and a large field to navigate.

“With the right run into it he will let them know he is there.”