Something special will happen

THERE is a distinct possibility something special will happen in Ballarat on Saturday night.

After two electrifying starts back from an injury-enforced spell, Ride High is close to peak condition according to trainer Clayton Tonkin.

That’s both scary and exciting heading into the weekend.

The scary part of the equation is for the stallion’s opposition considering what he has produced so far this campaign.

Scoring by 29 metres in 1:51.6 over 1720 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton when first-up for six months, the son of Art Major then rated 1:50.8 over the same distance a fortnight ago.

Sidelined due to a respiratory issue, Ride High’s preparation ahead of his return included a trial in Ballarat on June 9 where he covered the last half in 54.2 seconds, with the final quarter in 26.9 seconds.

If that’s not exciting enough for all enthusiasts, the club’s chief executive Paul Rowse stated the track is in “lightning shape” as indicated by Tuesday’s trials.

For example, classy three-year-old Youaremy Sunshine covered his last half in 55 seconds, with the final quarter in 26.5 seconds.

Youaremy Sunshine’s stablemate Idle Time then won his trial by 150 metres after running his final 800 metres in 54.9 seconds.

Idle Time finished third beaten 25 metres behind Ride High a month ago!

Taking all that into consideration, Ballarat’s 1720-metre track record is in danger.

Ride High’s former stablemate The Storm Inside set the record with his 1:50.7 win last Boxing Day.

To be driven by Kima Frenning, Ride High has drawn the widest of six runners, with TAB Fixed Odds listing the five-year-old as a $1.04 favourite.

“We won’t be going out to break records,” Tonkin said. “That said, he has run close to the record over a similar distance last start without being pushed.

“All he has to do is produce the same effort and the record will fall.”

HOOFNOTE: Ride High’s trial can be watch by clicking here