Trainer Aiden De Campo is hoping a trouble-free lead up to Menemsha and Grevis’ return to racing will hold the pair in good stead this campaign.
Both pacers make their return to racing at Gloucester Park this evening, ahead of possible WA Derby (2536m) tilts later this year.
Menemsha will face just four rivals in the Garrads Here On Track Pace (2130m) on his return this evening, following a winless campaign earlier this year.
The gelding will start from barrier three, with key rival Prince Of Pain drawn outside of him in barrier four.
De Campo said he expected last year’s Pearl Classic and Westbred Classic winner to prove hard to beat this evening.
“He’s come back this time in and hasn’t had any problems,” De Campo told TABradio.
“He will derive plenty of benefit from the run.
“I’d still be disappointed if he didn’t get the job done.”
Grevis will tackle the older horses in the SEFS – You Name It, We Fund It Pace (2130m) on his return tonight and also looks difficult to beat.
The colt won one of his eight starts last campaign, following plenty of credible performances in his two-year-old season.
De Campo said he expected Grevis would prove too classy for his rivals tonight.
“I think in that kind of field we can look to drive him positively,” he said.
“His class can take him a long way in that race, and he can also get the job done.
“He put one bad run in at the end of last campaign.”
Menemsha and Grevis’ return comes off the back of a successful weekend for De Campo, who took out the John Higgins Memorial Heat at Bunbury with Sorridere.
The Miki Taker continued his strong run of form with a third placing in the Winter Cup behind Never Ending.
Tim Walker