The 2014 Ballarat Cup odds of Electric Fusion have shortened in the past 24 hours and the Group 1 placegetter is now into $12 to return to his best from in the Listed event at Ballarat on Saturday.
Electric Fusion has been a market mover in 2014 Ballarat Cup betting markets. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Electric Fusion finished second behind Hawkspur in the 2013 edition of the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm and recorded three race wins during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival, but he has been unable to replicate that form during his current preparation and has missed the placings in his past six race starts.
Trainer Robert Smerdon admits that Electric Fusion has been very disappointing during his spring campaign to date, but the veteran trainer is hoping that a bit of schooling over the jumps will help the Fastnet Rock get back to his best in the 2014 Ballarat Cup.
“12 months ago this would have been the perfect race for him the way that he was going at that point, but he hasn’t quite got back to his best form,” Smerdon told Racing Ahead this morning.
“I can’t put my finger on any reason why because he looks great and his work is ok.
“Since his last run we have gone back to schooling him and that seemed to help him last time, so I am hoping that we see a lift in his form.”
Electric Fusion was one of the big losers of the 2014 Ballarat Cup barrier draw on Wednesday and he is set to start from towards the outside of the field for the Listed event.
Smerdon said that he was not happy with the wide barrier for Electric Fusion and he believes that jockey Dwayne Dunn will have to ride the five-year-old as quietly as possible if he is going to be able to run out a strong 2200 metres.
“The barrier is going to make it difficult for him and he is going get well backed I would have thought,” Smerdon said.
“We haven’t really worked out a strategy, but I would imagine he is going to get a fair way back, but the track the way that it is configured now is going to play a bit better for horses that are running on like he will be tomorrow.
“He did run second in a Queensland Derby, but he drew wide in that, went back and had a soft run a long way.
“I think he has to be ridden to get the trip and I think his ideal trip is around the 1800 to 2000 maybe.
“It is the upper end.”
Electric Fusion has been backed into Ballarat Cup odds of $12, while Smerdon’s other runner Spinderbella remains favourite at a quote of $5.50.
