“Whatever beats him to the line will win”

“I KNOW someone will be favourite, but really you could throw a blanket over all of them.”

That was the call from Harry Martin when discussing Saturday night’s Chariots Of Fire.

Martin is set to contest the Club Menangle feature with Titian Raider, and although he believes the Group One field is even, the veteran trainer is positive his stable star can capture Australasia’s premier four-year-old event.

Titian Raider earned his position in the $250,000 feature by securing the Hondo Grattan Stake at the world class venue a fortnight ago.

Already pleased with the gelding’s preparation, Martin had his confidence boosted by Titian Raider’s draw.

To be driven by Glenn McElhinney, the son of Sunshine Beach has drawn to search for the front from barrier two.

“I couldn’t be happier with the way he has come along since his last run,” Martin said. “That was his second run from a spell and he has improved a lot since then…which he will need to.

“He is in top condition and is ready to run a big race.

“He can come out quickly from the mobile, but from that draw you simply have to go forward.

“If he finds the front he will run along at least a 1:50 speed and I’m confident in saying whatever beats him to the line will win.”

Citing New Zealand visitor Krug as the ‘most likely’, Martin expects exciting Victorian, Bondi Lockdown, to play a major roll despite his starting position.

Krug will come from three while Bondi Lockdown faces an arduous task from barrier 11.

The Aaron Dunn-trained entire slots into nine with the removal of the emergencies.

“Krug seems to be the one most people believe is the one to beat,” Martin said. “Bondi Lockdown has proven himself to be among the best of this crop and can’t be treated lightly from any draw.”