Undefeated comeback to continue

COMEBACK trotter Always Ready should have little difficulty maintaining his perfect return at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.

Although drawn awkwardly, the Anton Golino-trained entire is an odds-on favourite to complete his fourth consecutive win.

Always Ready was sidelined for 19 months after what was a gallant third in the Australasian Breeders’ Crown Final.

The four-year-old notched four wins and four placings from his eight starts before injury struck.

“When he didn’t ping in the Breeders’ Crown Final I thought he didn’t go very well compared to what was expected,” Golino explained.

“We later found out he’d broken a hind pedal bone, which made his run a lot better than it seemed.

“It was just a freak thing so we gave him time to recover and have just done the right thing by him.

“So far he hasn’t shown any signs of worry which is pleasing.

“He’s always been a good horse, and as long as he stays sound, he will go through the classes.”

To be driven by in-form concession reinsman Ryan Duffy, Always Ready will begin from barrier six.

Also having three starts this preparation, Hatchback is considered a threat from an ideal draw.

Runner-up during each start, including his recent debut for John Justice, the exceptionally-bred squaregaiter will come from the pole.

Hatchback was a three-metre second behind Always Ready at their previous clash last week.

“Hatchback has been very consistent and will be hard to beat again from the draw,” Golino said.