Primed for second Cup success despite draw

TALENTED pacer Like A Wildfire is favourite to capture his second country cup in as many weeks.

Successful in last Sunday’s Charlton Cup, Like A Wildfire is engaged in Echuca’s flagship event on Friday night.

Although drawn the middle of the second row the son of Big Jim is a $2.40 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds.

Pleased with Like A Wildfire’s latest performance, trainer Emma Stewart has no doubt the gelding can add the Group Three to his solid tally of 14 wins and 12 placings from 38 starts.

“I’d prefer he drew better on the front line, but it shouldn’t be a problem,” Stewart said. “As long as he gets a good trip and a fair crack at them he will be right in the finish.

“He went really well in Charlton and his work this week has been as a strong as ever.

“If anything, after two runs back from a break he will better again this time around.”

Citing Malcolms Rhythm as the main danger, Stewart considers the provincial feature “a wide open race.”

Unplaced in Charlton, Malcolms Rhythm won a free-for-all at Tabcorp Park Melton during his previous start in which Like A Wildfire finished third in his first outing in four months.

To begin from the inside of the back line, Malcolms Rhythm is the $4.40 second elect.

“Forget his last start, Malcolms Rhythm is the one to beat on his previous form,” Stewart said. “It is a wide open race and one of those races where after it you wouldn’t be surprise who won.”