Marketplace third in Aussie debut at Menangle

By Adam Hamilton

It never looked easy on paper.

And that’s just how it played out for emerging Kiwi star Marketplace at his Aussie debut at Menangle last night.

Regan Todd’s stable star drew wide and had to do all the grunt work outside classy speedster Hi Manameisjeff in the 2300m free-for-all.

After beating off the leader, Marketplace was still in front with 100m to go but tired late for a gallant third to Mick Stanley’s classy pacer Ubetcha Tigerpie with the talented Double Lou second.

They went a scorching 1min52.1sec for the 2300m.

Marketplace was only beaten 3.3m and the option is there for Todd to give him another lead-up run before his major Aussie target, the $300,000 Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park on July 4.

There was lots to like about his run last night under the circumstances.

Marketplace’s major Rising Sun rivals, Captains Mistress and Hollywood Strip, are expected to have their final lead-up runs next weekend.

Captains Mistress could go to a mares’ race at Redcliffe on Saturday night.

Hollywood Strip has the option of a free-for-all test at Menangle on the same night.

It’s all part of a big next weekend.

On Friday night, Leap To Fame is poised to have his final lead-up run for the Inter Dominion.

A probable rival in the 2138m free-for-all will be Queensland’s other top pacer, The Janitor, who ran second to Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile.

They are set to be part of a small but select field.

The Janitor’s stablemate, star trotter Gus, is also expected to run Friday night at Albion Park.

Gus is into a commanding $1.50 favourite for the Inter Dominion trotting final.

His chances have soared with Keayang Zahara out spelling and her star stablemate Jilliby Ballerini scratched from the series last Friday with a hoof issue.

Former Kiwi trotter Lovemeto booked his trip to the series for trainer Chris Svanosio with a narrow but impressive Melton win last night.

He was driven by Kerryn Manning, who is set to keep the drive in Brisbane.

Lovemeto was a top young Kiwi trotter before injuries and Svanosio has nursed him back to peak form.

Svanosio also has defending Inter Dominion trotting champion Arcee Phoenix.