Making up for lost time

CONNECTIONS of promising youngster Ripp hope he can continue to make up for lost time when he heads to Bathurst tonight.

Being readied for last season’s Bathurst Gold Crown, Ripp was sidelined as a result of a paddock accident following his successful debut.

Given plenty of time to recover, the son of Somebeachsomewhere has produced two wins and a third from three starts this campaign, with his victories including a Gold Chalice heat earlier this week.

As such the Bernie Hewitt-trained gelding is engaged in the $100,000 Final.

“I really like him and think he can go a fair way,” Hewitt said. “He had a nasty injury about this time last year which made him miss the Crown.

“He went through a dry creek bed and stripped his back leg right into his tendon.

“He had all the time he needed to recover and I’m pretty pleased with the way he has come back.”

With Doug Hewitt to take the reins, Ripp is expected to be sent forward in search of the lead from barrier four.

TAB Fixed Odds have the three-year-old listed as the $2.60 favourite, with Iambecauseofyou considered the main danger at $4.2o from gate three.

“It’s been a trouble free week since his last race and everything in order,” Hewitt said.

“He’s got a reasonable draw and should be able to make the most of it.

“We will be going forward and looking to be handy early…he won’t be dragging off the gate that’s for sure.”