On the pace: Briodie Scrivener, Summer Ottini, Mia Whinney, Tayah McFarlane, Xander Whinney and Olivia McFarlane are looking forward to the family-friendly Pacing Cup. Picture: Adam Trafford
SMOKEN Up or Sushi Sushi? Who will get the better of the first clash of the champions in tonight’s group 1 $125,000 PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup.There have been many great battles in the cup.This is surely the most anticipated, given the unknown factor as to how Sushi Sushi will measure up in his first foray into grand circuit company against seasoned campaigners.While Smoken Up is naturally the focus of attention as arguably Australasia’s number one pacer, and Sushi Sushi pursues his 17th straight win, the duo does not have a mortgage on the race.Melpark Major might be the smokey for the Bacchus Marsh father and daughter team of Alan and Amy Tubbs, or the fly in the ointment.The eight-year-old has not kicked on in the way many believed he would after his second in the 2008 Miracle Mile and taking out the Victoria Cup in the same year.He has still been a major force though, especially in shorter events, and his speed from gate three might be a race defining moment with the speed expected to be on.There is a strong wave of thought Sushi Sushi can lead from the outside of the front row, but if he cannot cross or is made to work, the whole complexion of the cup will change.The New Zealand force is once again strong as The Gold Ace, Pembrook Benny and Highview Tommy attempt to become the fourth Kiwi-trained winner of the race, following last year’s success of Stunin Cullen.CUP MARKET: 2.00 Smoken Up, 2.80 Sushi Sushi, 9.00 Villagem, 10.00 The Gold Ace, 2.00 Melpark Major, 16.00 Heza Trick, 21.00 Pembrook Benny, 61.00 Highview Tommy, 61.00 Decorated Jasper, 101 Our Malabar, 101 Hesa Buzzin, 101 Captain Joy, 126 Amadmancomesundone.
