Minstrel primed to put on a good show

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN pair Greg and Skye Bond believe they have the right pacer to go one better in Saturday night’s Chariots Of Fire than their previous attempt at winning the Group One.

Making the long trip across the Nullarbor with Ima Rocket Star for the 2010 edition, the power couple finished second as Villagem emerged triumphant for Victorian horsewoman Lisa Miles.

Heading back to Club Menangle this weekend, the Bonds will be represented by quality four-year-old Minstrel which earned his position in the elite field by causing an upset in last Friday night’s Golden Nugget at Gloucester Park.

Driven by Colin Brown, Minstrel ended Magnificent Storm’s 12-start winning streak by rating 1:54.7 over 2536 metres, with his time six-tenths of a second outside the track record.

Minstrel has had seven starts for the Bonds for four wins and a second in the Group One Four-Year-Old Classic.

“In some ways we’re still getting to know him, but he is a pretty exciting type,” Skye said. “He’s only lightly-raced and has plenty of upside to him.

“We think he is just the horse which can win the Chariots, but we’ll just have to wait and see how the race turns out.”

The Bonds suffered an initial setback when the barrier draw was released, with Minstrel receiving gate nine.

To be driven by local reinsman Robbie Morris, the son of Rocknroll Hanover slots into seven with the removal of the emergencies.

“It’s not an ideal draw,” Skye said. “At least we have drawn inside some of the favourites.

“We’ll have to talk to Robbie to see what he thinks in regards to tactics, but we’re confident Minstrel will put on a good show!”