Star’s return “won’t be a walk in the park”

SATURDAY night’s return “won’t be a walk in the park” for star Australian Pacing Gold purchase Madrid.

Princess among last season’s two-year-olds, with five wins and a third from six starts, Madrid will be first-up since capturing the New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge Final when she heads to Club Menangle for the J L Raith Memorial.

Stating he entered Madrid in the feature as a last-minute decision, trainer Jarrod Alchin is confident the filly can begin her campaign on a successful note.

“She hasn’t had a trial and wasn’t originally on target for this race,” Alchin said. “Cam (Hart) drove her the other day and felt she was forward enough to race, so she is in it!

“I’m pleased with her progress and expect her to be hard to beat.

“That said, whatever she does on the weekend she will certainly improve from the run.”

With Hart to take the reins, Madrid has drawn to find the front from barrier two.

TAB Fixed Odds have Madrid as a $1.65 favourite, with New Zealand raider Just Remember Me regarded as the biggest threat at $3.60.

Prepared by astute horseman Cran Dalgety, Just Remember Me will come from gate nine.

“She has brilliant gate speed and should have no trouble leading,” Alchin said. “She’s the class filly of the field, but it won’t be a walk in the park.

“Cran’s filly has been racing against some high class opposition over there and is the main danger.”