Better luck second time around

ASTUTE horseman Paul Cavallaro is hoping for a case of 'second time around' benefit in this weekend's Pot Of Gold Final at Globe Derby.

Cavallaro contested last season's edition with handy pacer Buzz Bomb, which led from the pole only to be swamped during the concluding stages.

With Cavallaro in the cart, Buzz Bomb finished fourth - beaten a metre-and-a-half - as Offyarocka Crocker basked in the glory.

Fast forward to tomorrow night, Cavallaro and Buzz Bomb will contest the decider once again.

And just like 2025, the son of Art Major has drawn the pole, with Cavallaro looking to lead throughout.

Buzz Bomb qualified for the Final by winning a heat in 1:58.9 - the quickest of the three heats winners

"I hope he can make the most of it this time," Cavallaro said. "Last year he drew the pole and led, but couldn't hold on...fingers crossed he can hold on this time.

"He is certainly an improved horse on what he was last year and I'll be trying to lead the whole way this time."

Citing Peace Of Heaven as the one to beat, Cavallaro is extremely wary of Sea Salt.

Boasting four wins from his last five starts, Peace Of Heaven is listed a $1.65 favourite from barrier six.

Completing a winning hat-trick in her heat, Sea Salt is poised to get the perfect trail behind Buzz Bomb from gate eight.

The Tyson Linke-trained mare is the $2.20 second elect, with Buzz Bomb next at $10.

"Peace Of Heaven looks very nice, but Sea Salt is good too," Cavallaro said. "Peace Of Heaven is a short-priced favourite and has to be respected, but I'm worried about Sea Salt.

"If we lead, she gets the drop on us, which makes her a big concern."