Moran not convinced with Ego's draw

David Moran thinks the Inter Dominion pacing final betting market is wrong.

Moran, who takes the reins on young gun Expensive Ego, can’t believe King Of Swing isn’t favourite ahead of Expensive Ego in Saturday night’s feature.

It’s got nothing to do with talent or form, but everything to do with the barrier draw.

Staggeringly, markets saw Expensive Ego’s slashed from $3 to $2 after he drew gate one. King Of Swing eased from $2.10 to $3, but is back into $2.40.

“Just on the draws I am. I’m sure there’s nothing between them on talent, but King Of Swing’s draw, even off the back row, is better than the pole for my guy,” Moran said.

“Expensive Ego is not a naturally quick beginner and he’s never really been pushed hard off the gate in his career. I don’t think it’s the best idea to try and do it at his first run over the long 3009m.

“It’s probably one of the worst draws he could’ve got, unless I can weave some magic and have some luck early.

“I think the first 400-500m of the race will make or break my chances. If I’m shuffled back on the inside, I’m in strife. I’ve got to try and get away from the inside without getting pushed too far back.

“Even if I get away from the inside, I can’t afford to settle back behind King Of Swing, or he’ll have a huge advantage over me.”

Expensive Ego and King Of Swing went through their three qualifying heats unbeaten and the former looked at least as impressive across the three runs.

“He’s a lovely horse, a special horse. I don’t mean to be talking down his chances, but the reality is we will need a lot to go right from his draw. If it does, he’ll be very, very hard to beat,” Moran said.

King Of Swing will start from gate 11, three-out on the back row, which driver Luke McCarthy thinks is very suitable.

“In a perfect world he’d have drawn three or four, but this is the next best thing,” he said.

“It’s 3009m, which is a long, long way. I can sit back, let him settle into a rhythm while the leaders sort themselves out, then make my move around them when it suits.

“Whether he finds the front when I get around, or sits outside the leader, he’s going to get his chance.

“We couldn’t possibly have him better going into it. The plan was for him to go into the series underdone and build through the three heats into the final. That’s exactly what he’s done.

“He’s never been better, but in saying that, nor has Expensive Ego. They’re both amazing horses with great constitutions. They’ve thrived through the series, which can be tough on horses.”