3 minute read
The connections of talented sprinter Rebel Factor could throw the gelding in at the deep end next week if he emerges triumphant in the Craig Hanson Memorial (BM76) Handicap over 1100m in Launceston on Wednesday night.
Rebel Factor is one of the most exciting sprint prospects in Tasmania, but with a rating of only 76 he missed a start in last week's Newmarket Handicap which was to be the test to see where the grey gelding fits into the big picture of Tasmanian racing.
The grey gelding is prepared by Team Wells from their Spreyton training complex and co-trainer Trent Wells says the son of former star race mare Rebel Bride is "chomping at the bit" to race again.
Rebel Factor scored an easy first-up win in a benchmark 68 handicap over 1100 metres in Launceston three weeks ago, defeating Majestic Diamond by a length carrying 61kg and on Wednesday night he drops to 59kg.
"Rebel Factor obviously missed a start in the Newmarket, but he is going as good as ever and hopefully he can put his best foot forward on Wednesday night in what looks a nice race for him," Trent Wells said.
"If he wins well and pulls up in good order, he will most likely go to the Conquering over 1400m the following week."
It would appear connections are keen to test the talented sprinter, and should he win the Craig Hanson Memorial with ease against a quality line-up they could still have a hard decision to make as to where they go.
A perfect alternative would be the Ladbrokes Carpet Charge, a new race into the calendar over 1009 metres on Devonport Cup Day on 11 January, carrying prize money of $109,000.
But on Wednesday night Rebel Factor looks one of the best bets on the eight-race program with Brendon Mccoull to ride and starting from gate three should enable him to be well-placed from the outset in a field of only eight.
On Wednesday night he is in a field that includes multiple runners that have won over the trip and or in BM76 company, including Ethical Dilemma, Sirene Stryker, Our Little Ted, Gee Gee Queen Bee, and Majestic Diamond.
Rebel Factor has drawn nicely in gate three and has the services of top jockey Brendon McCoull who partnered the five-year-old to victory first-up in Launceston three weeks ago.
If he jumps cleanly McCoull will have the option to race outside the leader or take a sit with cover, either way he will most likely box-seat in the run and be very hard to beat.
