Season 2024 was big, but 2025 promises to be even bigger with the inaugural Ultimate Driver Championship and the Inter Dominion returning to The Creek in July.
Pete McMullen finished 2024 in hot form, claiming five winners in the last metropolitan meeting of the year, to set a record of metro wins in a season.
With 12 metro victories for the month of December, McMullen again has a book littered with winning chances to start the 2025 season.
One of his best chances on the night appears to be Calling Buddy which has drawn gate two in the third race for trainer Donny Smith.
Calling Buddy finished last season in white hot form, claiming four successive victories, the last of those a powerful front running performance in a 1.51.7 mile.
McMullen drove the now five-year-old in the last three of those wins, with the gelding now stepping up to Band 5 company at the middle trip for the first time, he will meet a number of well credentialed and experienced pacers.
Mossdale Terry placed again last start, making it placings in eight of his past nine starts at The Creek, while last start winner We Always Have Faith has now won three of his past four starts.
Calling Buddy
In race four, McMullen will partner with another speedy beginner as he takes the reins on the Ben Battle trained Jaccka Wally.
Three runs back, the gelding posted a 1.51.5 mile when leading throughout from barrier four and from gate two this week, there can be some fireworks expected early.
Last start winner Bretts Red has drawn awkwardly inside the second line, with Bold Medley Jujon likely to get the soft trip on the inside and Montgomery Burns facing a tough draw from six.
In the open class event, Mr Mclaren will begin from gate three for McMullen, in a race where there looks to be plenty of gate speed.
Mr Mclaren can run the arm, Hot And Treacherous draws to his immediate inside and might have enough to claim the early advantage, while Captain Shuffles might have the advantage from the wider gate to slingshot across.
Despite landing gate seven, the abundance of early speed will aid the claims of Northview Hustler who will be chasing a hat-trick of victories.
Sweet Georgia Brown was able to make the most of a front-line gate last week and McMullen has opted to drive the five-year-old in preference to stable mate Robyn X in the sixth race of the night, which could be a guide to the mare’s chances.
Overcoming the wide gate will be a tall order for the mare, however, the race should generate strong tempo, with a number of smart beginners drawn to her inside.
McMullen’s other two drives will both start from favourable barriers, with Pocket Book in the opening race of the night from gate one for trainer Richard Hutchinson and One Last Roll in the second race for Matthew Clayton.
Race One is set to jump at 7.02pm.
BEST BET
Darren Clayton
R2 N7 MAYWYN TROUBADOR – has the tough gate, but this looks a drop in grade on recent efforts and importantly will be back at the mile after tackling the 2138 at his past two, which includes a smart victory when swooping back from this same gate.
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