MAITLAND trainer-driver Peter Hedges feels Mondello Beach provides the best of two shots at returning to the NSW Breeders Challenge semi-finals in 2023. Hedges describes Mondello Beach as the "better hope" with stablemate Mako Mondo also lining up in the local two-year-old colts and geldings heat (1609 metres). "It just depends on the one's gate speed, which is a little bit unknown, but hopefully I'm not too far off and should run a good race," he said. Mondello Beach, starting from the inside of the second row, has won three of his last five starts. Hedges reached the semi-final stage 12 months ago with Four Star Lincoln. Three other heats take place at Newcastle International Paceway on Friday night. Finals are set for Menangle on October 29. IN THE NEWS: