Sparkling primed for Group One success

COLOURFUL trainer John Meade has no doubt his top trotter Sparkling Success is ready to add another Group One to his growing tally.

Boasting three top shelf victories among his 15 wins from just 31 starts, Sparkling Success is a $1.70 favourite in The Knight Pistol at Cranbourne on Saturday night.

Given a freshen up following his unplaced effort in the V L Dullard Cup last month, the squaregaiter has impressed Meade with his work and recent trial.

“I’m very happy with him,” Meade said. “He had 10 days off after the Dullard Cup, which I thought was a good run, even though the stewards didn’t!

“His work in the last couple of weeks has been great and he trialled against C4 pacers on the weekend and did it easily.”

Although Sparkling Success has drawn well in barrier two, Meade is unsure where the gelding will settle during the early stages.

“Cruisin Around comes out quick and may try to lead from the pole, plus a couple on our outside are also likely to go forward,” Meade said. “Chris (Svanosio, driver) will have to decide whether to push for the lead, or take his time at the start.”

Referring to Kyvalley Blur as the one to beat from the back row, Meade believes Red Hot Tooth can play a role in the finish despite her wide draw.

Triumphant in the Dullard Cup, Kyvalley Blur was an eye-catching fourth in Australasian record time at Menangle last week.

Red Hot Tooth has won two of her last three starts, including a Need For Speed heat.

“It will depend on how the race is run, but if Kyvalley Blur can get that last shot at them as he likes it, he will be hard to hold out,” Meade said. “Red Hot Tooth is a handy mare which is never far away.”