Racing: Master Hunter to run at New Plymouth

Co-trainer Tony Pike is ignoring the usual practice of scratching a 2-year-old from a No 14 barrier draw.

Pike is extremely disappointed Master Hunter has drawn the outside gate in tomorrow's $45,000 Ford 2YO Classic at New Plymouth, but he didn't hesitate to declare the impressive colt a certain starter.

"To be honest, for a group three race it is not an overly strong field. That's the reason we decided to run," said Pike.

"He could miss this and go to Matamata next week and still draw wide."

Pike is happy to declare the riding tactics for the unbeaten Master Hunter. "He'll roll forward from that draw. He's reasonably quick out of the gates and he'll probably end up outside the leader."

Master Hunter has won easily in his two starts at Ellerslie and Avondale. The field he beat at Ellerslie on debut was useful and he kicked away stylishly in the closing stages.

Vinny Colgan will travel south for the ride.

If barrier draws decide the race then Auckland-trained Solvini can win.

She went a bold race against tougher opposition in the $500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique at Te Rapa last start, finishing two lengths off the winner Italia. That is good form for a race like this.

Keilly Belle was heavily backed on debut on this track and did not get the best of runs, finishing a close up fourth. She looks a big trifecta chance with that experience behind her.

Despite the 58kg topweight, Legs will take beating in the $35,000 Rough Habit 3-Year-Old after her game second to Out Of Align at Trentham last start. Legs has a determined finish, well suited to the step up to 1800m.