By Jonny Turner
Hayden Douglas is hoping to make the most of a rare opportunity at Wyndham on Thursday.
Douglas combines with Macandrew Aviator, who will make one of the bigger steps back in grade seen in the south in recent times.
The veteran pacer comes into his Wyndham assignment after a strong third behind star pacer Akuta in the Group 3 Hannon Memorial.
That looks the best kind of form to bring to his rating 55-75 assignment, made even more attractive by the chance to pick up a penalty-free junior driver’s victory.
Douglas will be the man in the hot-seat on Thursday and he knows what a great opportunity he has in front of him.
“It is an absolute thrill to drive a horse like him.”
“It will be a tactical race, small fields always are, but I would like to think however the race pans out he will be a great chance.”
Douglas also pulls on his father’s colours in Thursday’s finale, behind Always Be Batman.
The three-year-old gets a massive upgrade in draw to barrier 1 after flashing home late in his last start at Winton.
“It is awesome to get such a good draw with him,” Douglas said.
“He has definitely improved since that last run and I think he’s a great chance.”
Dragon Power is another chance for the Douglas and Douglas combination.
The pacer takes a slight step back in grade following his last start fifth at Winton.
“He over-raced last start so we have gone with the sliding blinds this time,” Douglas said.
“His runs before that were great and he should be a nice each-way chance.”
Nubliah Chamay was just OK in her last start at Gore, but Douglas is expecting the mare to strip fitter in Thursday’s feature trot.
The reinsman also links up with last-start winner Sherwood Maggie , who steps up in grade and with Sky Moo, a first starter for his boss Matthew Williamson.
