Highly-touted youngster ready for interstate debut

HIGHLY-TOUTED youngster Hesitate will take a big step towards his 'main target' this weekend.

Boasting three wins and two seconds from five starts, Hesitate is engaged in Saturday night's Paleface Adios Classic at Albion Park for Victorian trainer Damien Burns.

Burns is using the feature as a stepping stone to next week's The Protostar at the same venue.

Hesitate will contest the $500,000 event via the Ladbrokes slot.

"Saturday night's race fits in perfectly for him," Burns said. "He hasn't been at the races for eight weeks so he needs the run.

"He had a good solid trial last night, but getting a start into him before his main target up there is ideal.

"Plus it'll give him the chance to have a look at the track and surroundings."

Despite drawing to search for the lead from the pole, Hesitate is on the third line of betting at $7 with TAB Fixed Odds.

New South Wales raider Bittersweet, which boasts four wins and a second from five starts, heads the market at $1.60 from barrier three for trainer-driver Hewitt.

Local hope Fate Awaits is considered the main danger at $2.25 from gate eight.

"I couldn't be happier with the draw," Burns said. "Now hopefully we can make the most of it."