Rank outsider still a "sneaky chance"

HE'S the rank outsider of the field, but that doesn't mean he isn't a "sneaky chance" of causing an upset.

Engaged in Saturday night's Chariots Of Fire at Club Menangle, Major Hot is all but friendless at $34 via TAB Fixed Odds.

On the other end of the scale, Bay Of Biscay is a raging $1.85 favourite.

Despite Major Hot's long shot status, trainer Paul Fitzpatrick believes the son of Art Major can surprise a few after drawing perfectly in the pole.

Major Hot forced his way into the Cordina Chicken Farms-sponsored Group One by finishing third in the Hondo Grattan Stake at the world class venue a fortnight ago.

Bay Of Biscay led throughout the qualifier in 1:49.8 after beginning from the pole.

With the Emma Stewart-trained son of Somebeachsomewhere expected to find the front again, this time from barrier three, Fitzpatrick is confident Major Hot will gain the ideal passage.

"It is a great draw for him," Fitzpatrick said. "He'll control who gets to the front from there and we'll be happy to take the trial behind Bay Of Biscay for example.

"I would imagine the tempo will be on all the way, which he will enjoy.

"With that kind of run, I'd consider him a sneaky chance of running a placing."

Along with Major Hot, Fitzpatrick will be represented as the sire of three competitors in the $250,000 feature.

Fitzpatrick's son Cameron will drive Major Hot, with his son Blake to partner We Walk By Faith from barrier two and Gavin to take the reins behind Better Knuckle Up from gate nine.

"The last time the three boys had a drive in the Chariots at the same time they finished second, third and fourth," Fitzpatrick said. "Hopefully this time they can all go one better!"