Recent Soldier’s Saddle winner Bass Louder is being primed for possible city success but first comes another crack at silverware at Bathurst today.
The exciting sprinter, who has eight wins from 12 starts, jumps from box seven in the first of three Shakey Jakey @ Stud Orange Cup (520m) heats.
Owner-trainer Kevin Pearce has given his charge two decent trials at Wentworth Park after his last win at Bathurst on December 22.
Bass Louder showed up well at the Sydney track and Pearce thinks he can enjoy another win back on his home track today.
“Both his trials were around the 30 second mark, so he did well,” Pearce said. “I think there’s a fifth grade race down there on January 30 that I’ll give him a go in.
“The dog in the one (All Too Fancy) will be tough here but if he can lead early, he can win.”
Bass Louder’s impressive start to his racing career includes taking out the $13,000-to-the-winner Soldier’s Saddle at Bathurst last month.
He has a win and a place from his two previous outings from box seven and his devastating pace in the middle of the race makes him a formidable foe.
“When he hits the ground, that’s when they struggle to catch him,” Pearce said.
“Some dogs (at this level) are capable of 4.20 or 4.30 for the first section, but not too many are capable of 15.12 or 15.13 down the back straight. That’s where he beats them.
“He never gives me any trouble. When he gets to the track, he knows what he is there for.
“You just wish you had more like him.”
In addition to All Too Fancy, Bass Louder’s strongest opposition looks like Irinka Wap (box four) and Tricky Summah in box eight.
Some decent contenders are lining up in the heats of the $4,000 Cup, which will be decided next Monday.
Consistent Velvet Flame (box three) has been a handy chaser for Andrew Bayliss and looks a strong chance in the second heat.
She is making her debut at Bathurst but has been a strong performer at country tracks and is running well, with two excellent victories at Nowra last month.
The third heat looks very even but Kid Dynamite should be a strong contender from box two.
Peter Bell’s greyhound could only finish seven in his first race in more than three months last start but was building a good record before being sidelined and should have enough speed to win here.
For Bathurst fields, form and expert picks, click here.
