KEY POINTS:
John Sargent knew he'd used up all his bad luck by the time he saddled Fiscal Madness at Ellerslie on Saturday.
What he has to hope for now is he hasn't used up all his good luck.
Fiscal Madness ended a horror week for Sargent when he dashed away with Saturday's $70,000 Great Northern Challenge Stakes.
After having to late scratch Sharvasti from last week's $150,000 Counties Cup then having his car broken into at Ellerslie on the day, Fiscal Madness' victory looked pretty good to the Matamata trainer.
But he needs the roll to continue into Sharvasti's attempt on Wednesday's $150,000 First Sovereign Trust Avondale Cup.
The emerging mare is back in top shape after pulling a shoe and cutting a foot during the float journey to Ellerslie last weekend.
"She's worked well and she's right back on track," said Sargent yesterday.
The best bit of news Sargent received last week was from the police after they caught the person who broke into his car at Ellerslie and ran up a credit card bill.
Sargent's luck has continued with Sharvasti's No 6 barrier draw on Wednesday.
Avondale Cups are won and lost on luck and a good barrier draw can be crucial. It is always a tight race and leaders can drive clear on the home turn, often disadvantaging runners back in the field.
"My mare is a mid-field racer. If she'd drawn out we'd have had no option but to drop back.
"From No 6 she can punch up and take a spot."
Sharvasti will be ridden by Noel Harris, who combined with Sargent to win a leg of the Dunstan Qualifying series on Saturday with Young Centaur.
"I bought him as a yearling at the Adelaide sales because he was from a good Jeune-Centaine cross," said Sargent.
"He's taken time, but he's a promising staying type."
Even allowing that he was given the perfect trip by Leith Innes, Fiscal Madness was very impressive in the final 150m on Saturday and will be aimed at the $200,000 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie over the holiday carnival.
"He's come through the race very well," said Sargent.
The favourite Kristov finished 1 1/4 lengths off Fiscal Madness in second place and rider Reese Jones was not disappointed.
"He wouldn't have won, but Sir Slick kicking up to share the pace with him didn't help."
Historically Kristov's best form has been in December, January and February and Jones says the horse feels that way to him at the moment.
"There are a lot of horses like him that do better with more sun on their backs. I think he's just coming to his best form.
"He's a big, gross horse and the heat of mid-summer probably trims him up a bit."
Earlier Jones combined with Cambridge sprinter Tatlock to win in a small, but competitive field and was impressed with the way the horse sprinted when he pulled him out of the trailing position.
"I put the whip in the right hand to encourage him to ease Cooky [Grant Cooksley] out so we had a clear run and he really sprinted when I asked him.
"He reminds me of the old-fashioned type sprinter we used to have - long and rangy."
Tatlock has been sparingly raced and has taken time to win his third race, but looks to have a bright future.
"Whatever he does this preparation I'd say he'll do better next time in."
