Title defence two years in the making

IT’S been two years in the making, but quality mare Pelosi will finally defend her Australian Pacing Gold title.

Winner of the 2019 APG Final in Queensland as a two-year-old, Pelosi was set to take on all challengers the following year only to miss the opportunity due to the Corona virus pandemic.

Fast forward to Saturday night and the daughter of American Ideal will attempt to retain her throne at Tabcorp Park Melton.

Prepared by Anna Woodmansey, Pelosi earned her berth in the $210,000 Group One by capturing a heat at Club Menangle last week.

“I was very happy with her run in the heat,” Woodmansey said. “She was kept fresh between the heat and her run in Wagga three weeks earlier, so she needed the hit out.

“She has been up for a while, but I have managed to keep her fresh between starts which has kept her going along quite well.

“We’re just in Albury on the road to Melbourne now, but she had a good hit out in track work before we left and is in wonderful condition.”

To be driven by Jim Douglass, Pelosi is a $1.50 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds after drawing to lead throughout from barrier three.

Local stablemates Its Beaujolais and Its Ebonynivory are considered the main dangers at $6 and $6.50.

Prepared by respected horseman John Yeomans, Its Beaujolais will come from gate seven, with Its Ebonynivory drawn nine.

Its Ebonynivory won her heat in which Its Beaujolais finished second.

“On paper John’s pair and La La Bron, which finished second in our heat, appear to be the main dangers,” Woodmansey said.

“This is the first time I have raced in Victoria, so I am pretty excited.

“Hopefully it will be a successful trip, but I am excited just the same.”