It’s an understatement to say that Peter Presutto has a strong hand in Thursday night’s Group 2 McKenna Memorial at Sandown Park (595 metres).
Bebop Jazz was the third fastest qualifier for the McKenna, stopping the clock at 34.19 seconds when winning her heat – behind Intrepid Bale (34.10) and Fernando Duke (34.16, when running second to Intrepid Bale).
Meanwhile, emerging talent Without A Trace put in an eye-catching performance to win her heat in a time of 34.31 seconds.
“I would prefer that draw rather than the opposite way around,” trainer Peter Presutto said.
“Without A Trace is a faster dog, but Bebop Jazz is a better box dog.”
The daughter of extraordinary staying talent Houdini Boy, Without A Trace has had just 12 starts for six wins and boasts an impressive 33.82 second personal best over the 595 metres.
“In her heat she ticked another box for me after she was flattened, she continued to push on.”
In news that will excite racing fans, a step up to the staying trip is in sight for Without A Trace, with the Group 3 Fireball (730 metres) at The Meadows on Presutto’s radar for the end of July.
But first comes the challenge at hand: the McKenna Memorial at Sandown Park on Thursday night- Race 8, set to jump at 8:54pm.