Elson’s duo is either side of ‘perfect’ for Lakeside Cup

By Pat McLeod

Travis Elson’s two Lakeside Cup heat hopes may not be at the peak of their careers, but both offer compelling reasons for a potential $100,000 payday at The Q.

Youngster Pop’s Maestro (box three in race six) and veteran Super Scrub (box six in race seven) are two of the many genuine threats across the five quality-packed heats of the lucrative Lakeside Cup over 457 metres on the Q1 Lakeside on Thursday night.

“Pop’s Maestro is going well but still maturing because he has just turned two and is still a fair bit off his best,” explains the Sunshine Coast-based trainer.

“On the other hand, Super Scrub still has petrol left in the tank, but he is getting on (three years and eight months of age).”

But, what both speedsters have in their favour is ability specifically suited for this track and distance.

While Elson rates both chasers highly, the older of the two shapes as the stronger contender this time around.

“Super Scrub took over from (Group racing champion) Bear’s Bullet as our kennel star and is the kennel favourite,” Elson said.

“He is drawn perfect in the six. He wants the outside and has a vacant box inside of him.

“He will be a big chance on Thursday night. Like all the heats, this will be a very tough race and they will all be a danger to my dog over those final 20 metres.

“It is not so much that my bloke will be getting tired, it is just that his best sections are his first two sections. He has to lead to be a chance of winning.”

Meanwhile, Pop’s Maestro’s lack of luck at box draws continues.

As Elson explains, his dog has a major preference for an inside alley, but in 18 starts to date is yet to draw boxes one or two.

“He is doing everything right and is doing well considering the fact that he has not drawn an inside box," the trainer said.

“He has been racing well from unfavourable box draws and needs to be close to the rail.

“Obviously I want my dog to do well, but he is probably a better chance in this race next year as a three-year-old.

“I was only a 50-50 chance of putting him in this race because he is still fifth grade, but his run last week was enormous.

“He definitely can run time and is probably going as good or better now than when he ran his 25.13 second personal best.

“This is a hard field and two-out I don't think he can lead the one dog (Andy Mulrine’s Canya Romance.)

“Pop’s Maestro just has to do everything right, starting with jumping well and getting to the fence. I think Canya Romance is the dog for him to beat.

“And, I will settle for second if that is fast enough to get you through to the Final. Because with five heats, the fastest three second places will go through, as well.”

There are also two heats of the Past Members Trophy over 642 metres that will also be contested on Thursday night on the Q1.

The Final of the Lakeside Cup, the following Thursday, carries overall prizemoney of $150,000, while the prize pool for the Past Members Trophy Final is $45,000.