Drawing a good gate is imperative when it comes to major horse races.
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For some connections they like to be inside, while there are occasions an outside alley suits just fine.
So all eyes were on Wednesday’s barrier draw for the $400,000 Country Championship Final (1400m) at Royal Randwick.
Pelerin, who is flying the flag for Tamworth in Saturday’s lucrative contest, drew gate 11 of a possible 23.
The race boasts seven emergencies, but provided the top 16 qualifiers all start, Cody Morgan’s emerging charge will jump from gate eight.
Morgan, who is based at Attunga, spent Wednesday morning on stage one of his trip to Sydney.
“We’re floating him to Branxton today and then we’ll head down to Randwick tomorrow,” Morgan said.
“It’s all happening at the last minute, but it’s good to get through.”
Pelerin booked his ticket courtesy of winning Sunday’s Wild Card at Scone.
The lightly-raced son of New Approach is one of four contenders representing the Hunter North West Racing Association on Saturday.
Caerless Choice for Scone trainer Paul Messara, Cessnock galloper Nic’s Vendetta and After All That, runner-up to Pelerin on Sunday, are the other three hopefuls.
Pelerin was on Wednesday rated as a $15 chance on TAB Fixed Odds.
Morgan has booked good mate Tye Angland to ride Pelerin.
Caerless Choice is on the third line of betting at $8 after coming up with gate four, with Perfect Dare from Murwillumbah the $3.60 top fancy.
This region has supplied the previous two winners of this race in Artlee and Clearly Innocent.
The Country Championship Final will be run at 1.55pm.
- $400,000 COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL BARRIER DRAW
- Distinctive Look (9), Lautaro (15), Perfect Dare (7), Cogliere (13), Galaxy Warrior (17), Caerless Choice (4), After All That (21), Pelerin (11), Steel Frost (3), Nic’s Vendetta (8), Stoneyrise (18), Forever Newyork (5), Free Standing (1), Not For Export (14), Pumpkin Pie (12), Shotgun Roulette (16). Emergencies: Ever So Natural (23), All Summer Long (10), Chaquinta (20), Challenge Accepted (22), Hotel Drive (2), Strathaird (19), Missy Rhythmos (6)