Chasing more country cup glory
FRESH from his drought-breaking victory last weekend, handy squaregaiter Blue Coman will aim to add another country cup to his collection tonight.
Although unsuccessful in his South Australia Trotters' Cup defence, Blue Coman returned to the winners' circle by capturing the unofficial consolation at Globe Derby.
Pleased to have the son of Monkey Bones back to winning form, trainer Greg Norman will undertake another long drive in search of glory, this time to Swan Hill for the club's Cup.
Along with the SA feature, Blue Coman has secured the Gunbower and Elmore Trotters' Cups while figuring among the placegetters in several other flagship events.
"It was a long time between wins for him, but it was good to see him get another one on the board," Norman said. "Although he hadn't won for a while, he was third in three Cups and an unlucky fourth in another this season.
"He's going to need luck again tonight, but should he get a touch of it, he will be in the finish."
To be driven by champion horsewoman Kerryn Manning, Blue Coman has drawn to search for the lead from two in the 2790-metre stand.
TAB Fixed Odds have the gelding among the outsiders at $14, with Virginia Clowers the $1.90 favourite.
Prepared by astute trainer Brent Lilley, Virginia Clowers will begin from the inside of the 20-metre mark.
"It's only a small, but solid field," Norman said. "I'm pretty confident he will finish among the placegetters, and if everything goes his way, he can pull off an upset."