Trainer Greg Bond is hoping for a genuine tempo to bring Minstrel right into calculations in Saturday’s Inter Dominion Final (2300m) at Menangle.
The reigning WA Pacing Cup winner, to be driven by Deni Roberts Deni Roberts drew barrier 11 for the $500,000 event and will start on the back of race favourite Don Hugo.
Bond said he was content with the draw.
"It looks to be a competitive final," Bond told Racing WA Harness.
"We saw more positives than negatives in the draw.
"We'd prefer to be drawn where we are than out in six, seven or eight.
"Hopefully there is a reasonable tempo early and not having to be involved with that will be a good thing.
"We can come up with a plan with Deni after that."
Minstrel bounced back from the disappointment of a gear malfunction in the second heat of the series at Bathurst last Wednesday to finish second in his final heat at Menangle last Saturday.
The seven-year-old worked to the breeze from his back line draw to sit outside Don Lou and was only run down by Dangerous in the closing stages.
While he didn't win at Menangle, Bond said it was a credible performance.
"He ran a good race, considering he did all the work," he said.
"The race looked that way on paper and we were happy to sit in the breeze once the opportunity presented.
"Our attitude was we were happy to do that, and he would run top three if he was good enough."
Don Hugo is the $2.40 TABtouch favourite for the final, while Minstrel and Dangerous are both at $5.50 on the second line of betting.
Bond said he felt the Luke Mccarthy-trained Don Hugo was the horse to beat, but indicated he still felt it was a very winnable race.
"We all know the series lacks a little bit of depth, but it's still going to be a competitive race," he said.
"Luke's horse is probably the number one seed and deserves to be.
"Everything has been just about perfect for Minstrel.
"He's held his weight, and his demeanour has been great too."
The Bond stable will be hoping to start their weekend on a winning note when Lusaka lines up in Friday's Retravision-Golden Nugget (2536m) at Gloucester Park.
Lusaka finished second to Mister Smartee in the 4YO Classic (2130m) last month, a performance which established him as a key Nugget contender.
His hopes were dealt a blow on Tuesday when he drew barrier eight, while fancied runners Never Ending and Mister Smartee drew one and two respectively.
The Bond's also had Aardiebytheseaside in the event, but the Mares Classic winner was scratched earlier today and will be sent for a spell.
What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
