Gunslinger ready to hit the mark

EXCITING youngster Soho Gunslinger doesn't have to look far to find his main danger ahead of Saturday's Club Menangle program.

Favourite for the Breeders' Challenge Eastern Region Final, Soho Gunslinger's biggest threat is his stablemate, Wamboyne Machete, according to wagering markets.

Soho Gunslinger is a $2 TAB Fixed Odds hotshot, with his Ricki Alchin-trained stablemate on the next line of betting at $4.80.

Boasting four wins from five starts this season, Soho Gunslinger will begin from gate seven, with Wamboyne Machete drawn perfectly in the pole.

"I've got a high opinion of Gunslinger and think he can develop into a Chariots Of Fire type next season," Alchin said. "His only blemish this season is the semi-final of the main series in mid October when absolutely nothing went right that night.

"He bounced back with a win in Penrith a couple of weeks later and has been kept fresh for this weekend.

"I've been happy with his work and expect him to be too good.

"Machete just keeps improving. I don't know how good he is yet, but I've thrown him in the deep end to get a guide, but he has drawn to be in the money.

"Every time I work him he seems to get better and I think he's got a future."

Alchin will partner Soho Gunslinger, with Ashleigh Delosa to take the reins behind Wamboyne Machete.

"Gunslinger has good gate speed and I will head forward with him," Alchin said. "Machete has a prime opportunity to be in the mix from the draw.

"A few in the field have good form, and must be respected, but they will want to be on their game to beat my Gunslinger."