Shelton’s looking for a strong home run

JOHN Shelton can’t split stablemates Belflyer and Prince Of The Turf in the same race at Grafton today but the trainer believes the duo represent his best chance of a winner on his home track.

Shelton will saddle up six runners at Grafton today, including arguably the most unusually named horse in Australia, Porn Star Pete, in race two.

Shelton admits it looks a tough day but he is upbeat that Belflyer and Prince Of The Turf will both go close in the Benchmark 65 Handicap (1406m).

“I thought Belflyer ran a good race in the Casino Cup (last start) and the other horse in that race (today), Prince Of The Turf, will race well,” he said.

“That was my first start with Belflyer and he has trained on good.

“The 1400m at Grafton will suit him and just the weight increase is always a bit of a query (54kg to 61.5kg).”

Prince Of The Turf bolted in at Ballina two back before finishing fifth in a Benchmark 65 over 1516m at Lismore last start.

“It was a funny race he ran at Lismore and he probably should have let him stride and roll to the front and he probably pulled himself into the ground,” Shelton said.

“It won’t be happening (today) and he will go forward.

“I don’t think there is a lot between them and I couldn’t split them.”

Shelton will also be represented by Pat Kash (race seven), Porn Star Pete, Mexican Mountain (race five) and Famed (race four) at Grafton today.

“Pat Kash is very unreliable and he doesn’t win very often but he is never beaten far,” he said.

“He always races well when he draws a gate but he needs speed on and Ben (Looker) rides him better than anyone and he will be competitive.”