Racing: Barron juvenile ready to fire

A quick scan of the opposition for tonight's opening heat of the Breckon Bloodstock Young Guns made trainer Ken Barron feel a lot more confident.

Because while he admits he doesn't know all the rivals for his pair of Franco Hemmingway and Chancellor Cullen, he knows who they won't be up against.

"It is nice to go into this series not having to worry about Mark Purdon for at least one race," said Barron.

His attitude is understandable as last year Barron produced three of the stars of the Young Guns series and even quinellaed a heat but when push came to shove, Purdon outshone him with Major Mark.

"We came north with three handy juveniles last season but Mark beat us in both early heats and the final.

"Every season, Mark has at least one or two top juveniles so to get away with starting this season and his ones not being here is a huge help."

Barron's pair still face a capacity field in tonight's heat but the Canterbury trainer believes Franco Hemmingway is the one to beat.

"I think he is the benchmark on what I have seen so far," said the Mid Canterbury horseman.

"I have seen quite a few of these horses go and I would say my two are as good as any."

However, although Barron is not concerned about Purdon, older brother Barry has four runners in the event with Smo, to be driven by Brent Mangos, the trainer's selection.