Drawn to maintain undefeated status

UNDEFEATED youngster Snipers Fire is well-placed to maintain her perfect record this weekend.

Winner of her three starts for prominent horseman Brad Hewitt, Snipers Fire is engaged in Saturday night's Breeders' Challenge Eastern Regional Final at Club Menangle.

To Hewitt's delight, the Australian Pacing Gold purchase has drawn to lead throughout from barrier two.

"The draw is pretty much perfect," Hewitt said. "She has good gate speed, so I will be pushing forward.

"She began quickly to find the lead from five at her second start, but she is so versatile she doesn't have to be out in front.

"She's had three starts and has won by leading, taking a sit and being 'parked', so the options are there."

Citing Cocos Desire as the main threat, Hewitt is also wary of Beachbabe Crocker.

Runner-up upon debut, Cocos Desire won her second start in Penrith last week. The Paul Fitzpatrick-trained filly will begin from gate three.

Boasting three wins and seven placings for trainer Wayne Dimech, Beachbabe Crocker has drawn four.

"Cocos Desire shapes as the main threat," Hewitt said. "She won in a pretty good time around Penrith and seems like a nice type.

"Beachbabe Crocker goes along nicely and has to be given respect."

Planning to send Snipers Fire "straight to the paddock" after her pending assignment, Hewitt is confident the daughter of Ultimate Sniper will be a major improver as a three-year-old.

"I can't fault what she has done so far," Hewitt said. "She has developed into a good little racehorse.

"I think she will improve a lot from this preparation as she has come from not seeing a mobile two months ago to winning her first three starts.

"It's straight to the paddock for her after the weekend and this experience will be invaluable for next time in.

"There will be some nice options for her next year, with the APG series one of the features I will be setting her for."

Elsewhere on the card, Hewitt has two runners in the Breeders' Challenge Eastern Regional Final three-year-old division.

Weona Miss Miki will begin from the pole, with Tenaciously to come from six.

"They are both chances in that race," Hewitt said. "I'd favour Weona from the draw, but if the speed is on, Tenaciously will come right into it.

"It's a pretty open race, so we'll just have to see how it is run."