Luck needed in Group Three

CLASSY pacer Arma Hotshot will “need the race to go her way” if she is to complete a clean sweep of the Christmas Gift series.

Winner of her heat at Club Menangle last weekend, Arma Hotshot is among the leading chances in Saturday night’s Final at the world class venue.

To connections’ dismay, however, the daughter of Modern Art has drawn wide in barrier 10.

Despite the early obstacle trainer David Thorn remains somewhat confident Arma Hotshot can capture the Group Three.

“It’s a terrible draw,” Thorn said. “She will need the race to go her way.

“If the speed is on it should bring her right into it as she can follow the pace and finish it off quickly.

“She’ll need that ounce of luck, but if it comes her way I expect her to be right in it.”

Driven by Jack Trainor during her qualifier, Arma Hotshot enjoyed a nice trail in the running line before dashing to a six-and-a-half metre win in 1:51.9.

The six-year-old’s time was the quickest of the heats, with Stormy Raider scoring in 1:53.5 and Air Time proving too good in 1:52.4.

Heading into the decider with three wins and a second from her last four starts, Arma Hotshot is the $3.60 TAB Fixed Odds favourite. Trainor will again drive the mare.

Rockita, which finished third in the heat won by Stormy Raider, is considered the main danger at $4.60 from barrier four.

“With the run she got she was too quick for them in the heat,” Thorn said. “Hopefully that’s the kind of run she will get in the Final.

“We’ll just have to see how it all pans out on the night.”