SUNBURNT Highway, "Billy" to his trainer and part-owner Judith Richardson, is on target to extend his Wentworth Park 520m record winning streak after drawing suitably in Saturday night's Masters Stakes.
Sunburnt Highway will exit box two in quest of his 38th victory at headquarters, where he has faced the starter on 104 occasions.
After winning four successive Wentworth Park races in January and February, Sunburnt Highway resumed from a short break to finish fifth, from box eight, in Angry Blizzard's Masters event last Saturday.
Judith Richardson said: "My husband John and I were not disappointed with that performance because Billy was trapped wide and never gave up.
"Although he has won six races from box eight I have never liked him from that draw, especially at Wentworth Park.
"He is far better suited on Saturday where he has box two, with an empty box on his outside and Zipping Hoppo, who is usually slow early, on the rails.
"When Sunburnt Highway raced last Saturday he was having his first start for three weeks and although we can always work him along at home, he is a dog who thrives on competition.
"He is a real race dog and likes that competitiveness so I think last week's run will do him a lot of good.''
Angry Blizzard, who won last Saturday's similar event, has gone from box one, his favourite draw, to box seven on Saturday, so Zipping Hoppo, yet to win in five Wentworth Park appearances, looks Sunburnt Highway's toughest opponent.
The small field of six will suit Zipping Hoppo, who has finished fast from the back of the field to be placed twice at Wentworth Park.
Riley's Fusion finished third at her Wentworth Park debut last Saturday and trainer Wes McDonald expects her to be vastly improved by that experience when she steps out for this week's Ladbroke It! Stakes, a 520m fifth grade.
"Riley's Fusion had not trialled or raced at Wentworth Park before last week and she always improves a lot with a run on a track,'' McDonald said.
"She has box four but having an empty box in five should be a big help.
"I just hope she is clear of March Legend, who has box one, at the first turn, because I noticed he ducked off the track on that corner when he finished second at Wentworth Park on Wednesday.''
Fascinate Mel has been placed at her past two Wentworth Park appearances after running wide from boxes seven and three.
"She got more wide than ever on the home turn when she finished third at Wentworth Park last Saturday so I'm pleased seeing her in box seven this week.
"Fascinate Mel is going extra well at the moment and I have kept her nice and fresh this week.''
Best value bet on Saturday should be Buzz Along, despite reverting from 720m to 520m in race nine, a 520m fifth grade.
Buzz Along has won each of her two Wentworth Park races over 720m but has won three 530m races at Adelaide's Angle Park and is ideally positioned in box one.
Rocking Jewel, who has box two, is a wide runner and should give Buzz Along a clear run in the charge to the first bend.
