Exciting newcomer Weekend Binge looks primed to score another victory at tonight’s Grafton meeting.
The hot prospect, who went .01 outside the track record at Grafton last week while scoring a seventh win in 10 starts, jumps from box three in the Caldwell Electrical Stakes (480m, race eight).
That terrific run last week was Weekend Binge’s first look at the 480m after earlier wins at Lismore, Casino and Wauchope.
This will be the first time he will wear the white rug but trainer Allan Lang said he was optimistic for another win.
“You obviously don’t know what will happen when they step up in distance, but I was very impressed with him,” he said. “He handled it easily.
“He is jumping out of his skin and if he continues that tonight then he’s the one to beat.
“Cheeky Maxi (in box seven) is dangerous but looking at the times, mine has something on these.
“The way he’s going, I have to be confident.”
The son of El Grand Senor and Kingsbrae Di cruised home by 11-and-a-half-lengths last week and looks one of NSW’s most exciting talents.
Weekend Binge looks to be following in the footsteps of five-time Group winner Paw Licking, who Lang owned and mentored early before he switched to Kel Greenough’s Victorian kennels.
“We always thought he had potential and we want to find out how far he can go,” Lang said.
“If he keeps going like this then we might have a look about sending him down south (to Melbourne) again.
Lang also has Put Thongs On (box four) jumping in the night’s seventh race, a heat of the Pullens Produce Easter Stakes (407m).
He is seeking a first win in five starts but has scored a couple of decent placings at Casino over the 411m.
“Unfortunately his box manners aren’t great,” Lang said. “We’ve given him a month off and tried to get him to come out a bit better.
“He was a little unlucky not to win at Casino and if he can come out okay, he’s a chance.
“Box four is tough but he’s probably each-way for a place.”
Kooringa Rachel (box one) is aiming for a third consecutive victory and looks the night’s top pick in race four (407m).
Pretty Socks has scored four of her seven career wins at Grafton and also looks ideally drawn in box one to win race nine over the 407m.
For Grafton Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
