Undefeated freshman faces biggest test

UNDEFEATED freshman Major Celebrity won’t have to look far for the biggest threats to his perfect record.

Trained by record-breaking horsewoman Emma Stewart, Major Celebrity has won his three starts in stylish fashion, including a heat at Club Menangle last week.

The two-year-old’s latest victory earned him a berth in Saturday night’s Nutrien Sale Final where he will clash with his stablemates Petracca and First Responder.

Petracca was also triumphant in his qualifier, where he covered the final quarter in a breathtaking 25.3 seconds to equal Cash N Flow’s record for the fastest last 400 metres at the venue.

As impressive as Petracca was, First Responder’s effort to be beaten a half-neck after occupying the ‘death seat’ was awe-inspiring.

Such is the respect for Petracca and First Responder’s performances, they head betting at $1.95 and $2.70 with TAB Fixes Odds.

Drawn the widest of the trio in barrier four, Petracca is the favourite, with First Responder the second elect from gate two.

Splitting the pair in barrier three, Major Celebrity is on the third line of betting at $4.20.

By Art Major from Celebrity Ball, Major Celebrity hails from the same family as Group One winners Ride High, Rocknroll Magic, Safe And Sound, Beauty Secret, The Pantheist, Out To Play, Major Secret and Treachery

Petracca is also from the same clan, which boasts a host of Group Two and Three winners.

“Major Celebrity hasn’t set a hoof wrong and is certainly capable of winning on the weekend,” Stewart said.

“This will be his biggest test, but based on what he has shown at home and on the track, he’ll give a good showing.

“You can’t say enough about Petracca and First Responder’s runs in the heat and they are also ready for another big run.

“Guess we’ll just have to see how it all pans out on Saturday night.”