Visitors’ draws for former locals

PROMINENT couple Sonya Smith and Anthony Butt are regretting their interstate move as a result of Saturday night’s fields.

Making the switch from New South Wales to Victoria late in 2020, the pair have returned across the Murray for the famed Bathurst Gold Crown Carnival.

To their dismay, however, Smith and Butt have received the visitors’ draw in the Gold Crown and Tiara.

“The draws aren’t the best,” Butt said. “It will make it a lot harder on the night.”

Winner of her Tiara heat last week Martini Stride has drawn barrier seven, but slots into six with the removal of the emergency.

Bred and owned by Emilio and Mary Rosati, the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere has won two of her four starts, with second in the Pink Bonnet also to her credit.

“She’s a nice filly which has improved with each start,” Butt said. “We were very happy with her run in the heat and she has trained on well since.

“From that draw though she is going to need luck in the run.”

Despite the draw Martini Stride is on the second line of betting at $7 with TAB Fixed Odds.

One of three Russell Jack-trained runners in the Group One, Just Hope is the $1.50 favourite from barrier two.

Also successful in his qualifier, Master Stride will begin from the outside of the back row.

Third upon debut in Ballarat on February 18, the son of Captaintreacherous was runner-up at Club Menangle before his win.

“Like Martini he has gotten better with each start,” Butt said. “From his draw and against such a strong field he will be relying on things going his way.

“He is good enough to win…we’ll just have to see how it pans out.”

Master Stride is listed at $14 with TAB Fixed Odds, with Mister Rae the $1.75 favourite from the pole.