Mark Gatt will be hoping lightning can strike twice and earn him an unexpected success in the $25,000-to-the-winner Group 3 Sportingbet Bulli Gold Cup Final on Wednesday night.
Silent Effective’s was scratched by trainer Darren Sultana overnight after he injured a pin muscle in training. His scratching has opened the door for Gatt’s charge Gradence, who was first reserve for tomorrow night’s race.
The highly experienced campaigner won the $25,000-to-the-winner Group 3 Sportingbet Cyril Rowe Gold Plate Final at the same track back in January in similar circumstances.
After earning a late call-up as first reserve, Gradence added to his distinguished career with a victory in the final for his Thirlmere-based trainer.
“It is a bit of déjà vu,” Gatt said with a smile. “Hopefully we can get the same result again.”
Gradence (pictured, red rug) may not have been an automatic qualifier but he is certainly one to watch tomorrow night.
The battle-hardened veteran, owned by Joseph Scerri, has 23 wins and more than 40 placings from 91 competitive outings.
He has also placed on nine of his ten previous outings at Bulli.
“I think the big spacious track there suits him,” Gatt said. “The roomy circuit helps him.
“He can hook out wide and then really unleash with his speed.
“We would probably want a speedy dog out front early that he can stay with.
“He can definitely still compete at this level.”
Gradence has also overcome chronic arthritis and a gloomy prognosis to extend his racing career, including that notable win at Bulli.
“About 18 months ago we were told he may only have a couple of months’ racing left in him,” Gatt said.
“He has been through a lot, the old dog, but keeps going. He would not be the fastest dog in the race but there will not be a tougher dog in there.
“Can he win it? It’s a tough field, that’s for sure. If he can run a place, I would be over the moon.”
The final is the fifth of 10 races on Wednesday night's card and goes off at 7.25pm.
Racing starts at 6.02pm.
Click here for fields, form and tips for the Bulli meeting
