Trotter setting the 'Standard'

30 August 2022

CONNECTIONS of The Gold Standard hope he can do his name justice again when he returns to Club Menangle today.

Following a string of placings with a pair of wins at the world class venue last month, The Gold Standard has since run a handy fourth and an eye-catching second a fortnight ago.

Engaged in the third event on the card, the Elizabeth Heath-trained trotter is among the main chances over 2300 metres after drawing to settle prominently in barrier three.

"I've been more than happy with his form and he's certainly ready for another win," Heath said.

"He's drawn to get into a good position early and can hopefully make the most of it."

With regular driver Glenn McElhinney to take the reins, The Gold Standard is vying for favouritism at $4.

Consistent veteran Agent Maori sits at the top of the table at $3.50 despite drawing awkwardly in gate five.

Poised to have his 258th start, Agent Maori is searching for her 24th victory, having been absent from the winners' circle since since scoring at Menangle on June 28.

The son of Federal Flex is one of two KerryAnn Morris-prepared runners in the field, with Dont Tough This to come from barrier four.

Sticking with squaregaiters, Morris also has a pair in The Cordina Group Mobile later on the card, with Aldebaran Ursula considered the better prospect of the two.

Although drawn gate nine, Aldebaran Ursula is a $2.25 favourite, with her stablemate, Queen Of Strathfield, among the outsiders at $51 from the pole.