Ready to go one better

WELL-BRED youngster A Buck Ten's prospects of going one better than his dam have been dealt a cruel blow.

Engaged in Saturday night's Australian Pacing Gold Final at Club Menangle, A Buck Ten has drawn wide over a mile.

The Brian Portelli-trained colt qualified for the $150,000 feature by capturing a prelude around the world class venue on June 3.

By Bettors Delight, A Buck Ten is from former top mare, Miss Half Penny.

Among the best of her crop, Miss Half Penny was successful at Group One level when triumphant in the 2018 New South Wales Breeders' Challenge.

Earlier that year, she was runner-up in an Australian Pacing Gold Final.

"He's a pretty nice type," trainer Brian Portelli said. "He has shown potential from the get go, and although he has his quirks, he is coming along nicely.

"His dam finished second in the APG Final, so it would be great if he could go one better."

To be driven by Portelli, A Buck Ten will begin from barrier eight, with TAB Fixed Odds listing the two-year-old as the $2.80 second favourite.

Runner-up behind A Buck Ten in their heat, the Emma Stewart-trained Dynamitedan is a $1.35 hot shot from barrier six.

Belfast City is the only other runner under double figures at $9 from gate two.

"He beat them in the prelude and is capable of doing it again," Portelli. "The draw has made it tougher, but he will be doing his best."