Italian trotter to maintain perfect Aussie record

COMPLETING a successful Australian debut a fortnight ago, Gandhi Mail will attempt to maintain his perfect southern hemisphere record tomorrow night.

Triumphant during his last three European outings, the Italian-bred trotter covered the mile in 1:55.2 at Club Menangle in what was his first run since last February.

Pleased with the import’s progress, trainer Anton Golino is confident Gandhi Mail can stretch his winning streak when he returns to the world class venue.

Gandhi Mail also won his three trials before his debut.

“He went very well in his first run,” Golino said. “He had worked up nicely, so I was expecting a good run from him and he didn’t let us down.

“He’s come along nicely in his training since then and will strip a lot fitter this week.”

Drawn barrier 10, the son of Nad Al Sheba moves into nine once the emergency is taken out of the equation.

To be driven by Chris Geary, Gandhi Mail is a $3.10 TAB Fixed Odds favourite, with Your Majesty considered the main danger at $3.40 from gate seven.

A member of the strong Blake Fitzpatrick stable, Your Majesty was runner-up behind Gandhi Mail after working hard in the ‘death seat’.

“He was in good condition going into his first run, but has tightened up since,” Golino said. “He definitely needed the run and has benefitted from it.

“That said, the draw could be better, but it is only a starting block.

“He’s only four, but gives the feeling that in time he can go a long way…he feels awesome, very classy.

“Although he is a colt he is a gentleman to do anything with, he just stands there like an old gelding.”