Pressure mounts despite low expectations

TRADITIONALLY heading into a race with a pacer which hasn't won for a year, has dismal form and is an outsider wouldn't be cause for pressure.

But these are no ordinary circumstances.

As he prepares for Saturday night's Ballarat meeting Tim McGuigan admits there is an element of pressure regarding his runner.

McGuigan will be represented by Boncel Benjamin, which begins his Inter Dominion title defence in the third pacing heat.

Since capturing last season's Final in historic circumstances Boncel Benjamin has been unable to make his way into the winners' circle.

With a second his best result, the gelding has been beaten by an average of 33 metres.

Just to recap, Boncel Benjamin was second past the post during last year's Final at Club Menangle but was promoted to first on protest, with Expensive Ego becoming the only winner to be stripped of victory via protest in the Championship's 85-year history.

Fast forward to this weekend and Boncel Benjamin is the $151 TAB Fixed Odds rank outsider in his heat.

"Of course there is a bit of pressure with him," McGuigan said. "Although given his form, there aren't any expectations on him, he's still the reigning champ and has something to prove.

"I'm going into the series without a great deal of confidence but with some confidence at the same time.

"I thought his run at Melton the other week was pretty good, he's been working terrific and looks a treat."

To be driven by Ryan Duffy, Boncel Benjamin has drawn awkwardly in barrier six.

Faring better is the $2.15 favourite Better Eclipse, which has drawn the pole.

"The draw is not ideal, but he's got plenty of gate speed so he will be going forward," McGuigan said. "He is going as good as I can get him and hopefully he can earn some decent points.

"Whatever he does on the opening night he will improve on as the series goes on as he can handle heats no worries."