HE has a tendency to race like he's on a 'work avoidance scheme', but Blayney trainer-driver Wade Judd still thinks Blaze Edition is in with a chance come Wednesday night at the Bathurst Paceway.
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It's because the last time the seven-year-old Western Edition x Bold Blaze gelding ran at the track he posted a 17.2 metres victory.
It was just the third win in 31 career starts for Blaze Edition, but he's also twice finished runner-up and had a pair of thirds this season as well.
"He got a few favours out in front and was able to go away with it in the end," Judd said of his last-start win.
"He's an honest type but he's one gear short of being a nice horse I think. He tries a bit when he wants to, he's a bit of a funny horse, he has a go one day and the next day he's looking to go on a work avoidance scheme.
"He's got a few little issues, but he's a nice enough horse. He was my late Grandfather's horse and he's part of the furniture around here these days.
For Wednesday night's Bedwells Feedbarn Pace (1,730m), Blaze Edition has drawn the tricky barrier 10. From there Judd knows he will need luck to find a sit somewhere near the front.
"He's not a horse that can run an overly quick 400 metres, he can run a nice 800. He's just a bit of a winder, he's not a speed horse. So he just winds up and finds a reasonable tempo and that's been lucky enough to win him a few," Judd said.
"Ten, we'll need a bit of luck, but he's got really good gate speed so hopefully I can get him in a pretty good place if the two, Davis' horse [Lotta Laughs], can hunt through and lead me up handy.
"You've got to be up close these days, if you are anywhere near the back you've got to be real impressive to make ground on them these days."
Judd will also have to contend with a barrier 10 draw for his other runner on Wednesday night, four-year-old Jilliby Monkey.
He has been a consistent performer since moving from Victoria to join Judd's stable with a pair of second placings plus a third from three starts.
Given the trainer never intended for the McArdle x Jillby Spice gelding to race, it's a record he is happy with.
"I brought him for my wife as just a trial horse for her to get her licence on and he's a little bit more than that," Judd said.
"I've only had him the three starts and he hasn't missed a place yet. He's a nice little horse, he's not the most talented creature around but he always puts an effort in, he really tries hard. He's quickly becoming the stable favourite.
"He's not without a show [on Wednesday] either. He's doing a really good job for a horse I thought was just going to do a job as a learner's horse.
"He's only a little fella, but he's very gentle and he's a pleasure to have around."
The first of Wednesday's eight races at the Bathurst Paceway is set for 4.37pm.
