Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Veteran pacer Captain Confetti has resumed after a spell in fine style for Brigadoon trainer Chris Phatouros and will have many admirers when he begins from the coveted No. 1 barrier in the 2130m Bridge Bar Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
He caught the eye at his first start for just over three months when he began out wide at barrier nine in a 1730m event last Friday night when he was restrained to last by Dylan Egerton-Green and was eleventh at the bell before running home strongly with a three-wide burst to finish fourth behind the pacemaker Art Ideal.
That encouraging performance followed a sound standing-start trial over 2116m at Pinjarra the previous week when he dashed over the final 400m in 27.7sec. and won by a length from Grumpee.
Captain Confetti was a winner seven start ago when he ran on from sixth at the bell to beat Greatgreat Boulder over 2130m at Gloucester Park on December 2 last year. Two starts before that he showed his ability as a frontrunner when he led from barrier four and won from Cold Hard Cash and Travelban.
Last-start winners When In Vegas (barrier two) and Elwaddell (six) as well as Opal Hunter, a winner at three of his past six starts, have each-way claims in an even field.
Tom Nally will drive When In Vegas for trainers Greg and Skye Bond, who have engaged him to make use of his concession and guarantee a favourable barrier.
When In Vegas warmed up for Friday night’s event when he began speedily from barrier six and set the pace before winning by a head from Brought To Light in a 2130m event at Gloucester Park on Monday afternoon. He rated 1.57.6.
Elwaddell, to be driven by Lauren Harper for trainer Peter Anderson, rated 1.56.2 when he led from barrier two and was not extended in winning from Sweet Coco last Friday night. He sprinted over the final 400m in 27.7sec.
Opal Hunter, trained and driven by Robbie Williams, is awkwardly drawn out at barrier eight. But he is a high-quality pacer who is sure to appreciate a drop-in class after competing against Bettors Pride and Sweet Pins in recent weeks.