Hinch aims for hat-trick

TRAINER Alisa Hinch says she is keen to keep her options open with stable star Elite Drake.

The talented four-year-old gelding will contest the $125,000 Ladbrokes Info Hub Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield today, but what happens after that is up in the air.

The Lara-based Hinch is shooting for three wins in a row with Elite Drake, who was an impressive winner at Caulfield last start.

Hinch said she couldn’t be happier going into today’s race, which will see local apprentice Steph Thornton ride Elite Drake from barrier one.

“Obviously it’s a harder race (to last start) and we are stepping up (in class), but I’m very happy with him and we will give it a shot and see what happens,” Hinch said.

“He has drawn the barrier, there is a little bit of rain about, he’s down in the weights with 52kg … our thought is he will do what he does, he will go to the lead and take some catching.

“On (July) 27th there’s another open handicap at Caulfield over 1400m but it depends on what happens (today), that will determine whether it’s worth coming up against open company or not.

“There’s a few ideas — maybe the Mildura Cup, there’s an open mile at The Valley — we will just wait and see what happens.

“I’m inclined to take it week-by-week and day-byday.”

Hinch said the stable had ambitions of getting Elite Drake to the $5 million All Star Mile next March, but first needed to boost his rating.

“It’s always a possibility. We are definitely pressing towards that, so wins on the board are essential. We want the rating to get up,” Hinch said.

A big group of owners are set to head to Caulfield today with Hinch adding they were enjoying the ride with Elite Drake, who has won six of his 22 starts.

“You can’t keep them away (from the races), even if you tried,” Hinch said.

“I have a lot of people who have very, very small shares and they come to every race meeting and they love it.”