Unbeaten Sub Zero Sahara aims to continue his promising form while former NSW star Winsome Mission goes for a first WA win at Saturday’s Mandurah meeting.
Sub Zero Sahara jumps from box six in the Chasers A La Carte Saturday Stakes (405m, race one) seeking a fourth straight victory to start his career.
The son of Dee Winter and Octane Baby produced another eye-catching run last week, cruising home by more than seven lengths in a sound 22.74.
Trainer Michael Johnston said this was Sub Zero Sahara’s “toughest assignment yet” but is still confident of the win.
“Given a clear run, he will go close,” Johnston said.
“He can handle the tough draw. You saw last week that once he hits the ground and levels out, he just hits top speed.
“As long as nothing comes across from the outside, he should be fine.
“He is king at the moment and he will be as long as he keeps racing like he is.”
Sub Zero Sahara is the brother of Belfast Tommy, who won a decent maiden final at Horsham earlier this year and has been a regular placegetter in his 10 starts so far.
Johnston is aiming to step Sub Zero Sahara up to the 490m over the coming weeks – a move he thinks will be successful.
“He ran home in 10.80 last week which is pretty handy for a young dog,” Johnston said.
“Having said that, his brother got found out at 480m level , so we’ll have to see.
“He’s going great guns and I know the owner is rapt with him, which is wonderful to see.”
Meanwhile, Winsome Mission (pictured, black rug) will have his first trip over the 490m at Mandurah in race four.
Now in the gun kennel of Paul Stuart, Winsome Mission has had two solid but unsuccessful races over the 405m since moving west.
The son of El Grand Senior and Ramblin’ Ruby scored five Wentworth Park wins among his 10 career successes so far, including a best of 29.68.
This may be too tough, though, with Astronomize (box three) racing well at the moment and looking the best here.
Winsome Mission’s sibling Winsome Warrior, who ran second behind Fernando Bale in a heat of the Group 1 Peter Mosman in June, makes his WA debut in race seven.
Now in the kennels of Steve Withers after also heading west, he looks a good chance here from box three.
Helmutt has been in terrific form recently and looks the best bet of the day in race three.
For Mandurah Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
