Boom pacer set for return

BOOM pacer Petracca will make his highly-anticipated return this weekend.

Sent for a well-earned break following his Victoria Derby triumph last October, the Emma Stewart-trained entire will compete in Melton on Saturday night.

Regarded as one of the nation's most exciting prospects, Petracca won six of his seven starts last season, with his victories including the Vicbred Super Series Final.

Overall, the son of Captaintreacherous boasts 11 wins and a third from 14 starts for earnings of $310,178.

As for his pending assignment, Petracca has drawn barrier nine over 2240 metres in what doubles as the four-year-old's first step towards The Eureka.

The world's richest pacing event, The Eureka is a $2.1million slot race scheduled to be run at Club Menangle on September 7.

Petracca is vying for the slot purchased by his owner, Danny Zavitsanos, who also has Oliver Dan and High Above being readied for the event.

"He's got a busy campaign ahead of him and Saturday night is the ideal starting point," Stewart said. "Obviously he is in the mix to be in The Eureka, but at this stage, he is not a confirmed starter.

"The Vicbred is also on the agenda, so there are good options for him in the months ahead."