Rising star set for racing return

RISING star Mecarno will make his highly-anticipated return in Melton tomorrow night.

Last season’s premier three-year-old trotter, Mecarno hasn’t raced since capturing the Breeders’ Crown Final at the same venue last December.

In what was a breakout term for the son of Tactical Landing and trainer Michael Bellman, Mecarno won eight of his 12 starts, including the Victoria Trotters’ Derby and Vicbred Super Series.

Mecarno’s success in the Derby doubled as Bellman’s maiden Group One triumph as a trainer.

“What he did last season was just amazing,” Bellman said. “I knew the ability was there, but he just got better as the year went on.

“To get my first Group One as a trainer was surreal and to finish off the year with the Breeders’ Crown was the perfect crowning.”

Given a long, steady preparation ahead of his comeback Mecarno is facing a tough task against free-for-all opponents.

To be driven by Bellman, Mecarno has drawn barrier four, with early TAB Fixed Odds markets listing the gelding the $3.40 second elect.

Winner of last week’s free-for-all, Im Bobby is a $3.20 favourite from gate six.

“He has to start somewhere,” Bellman said. “Racing against open class city trotters first-up as a four-year-old is not ideal, but it is what it is.

“The time off served him well and he’s had a long and slow build up, so he’s in great shape.

“I’ve given him two trials, he went really well against pacers in Maryborough where he broke two minutes and then trialled against Rockinwithattitude in Bendigo earlier this week.

“He’s as fit as he can be without racing, and will need the hit out, but I expect him to go very well.”