Champion reinsman Chris Voak is predicting an all-the-way win with Papinik at Gloucester Park on Friday night after his charge was drawn in barrier one.
Papinik will race in the $50,000 Mondo Doro Governor’s Cup over 2130m at the WA track and Voak believes the lightly-raced pacer will be too good for his rivals.
Impressive Pinjarra hit
Papinik warmed up for Friday night's group 2 Cup with an impressive performance in the Pinjarra Cup last week but Voak says there is even more to come.
On that occasion he finished second behind Diego but looked on course for victory at one point after showing great speed to burst to the front at the home turn.
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He was eventually overhauled by Diego in the final 20m of the race but Voak took plenty of encouragement from the performance.
"He was probably a half run short in the Pinjarra Cup," said Voak. "Now I expect him to be at his peak for Friday’s assignment. This field doesn’t look any stronger than the Pinjarra Cup field."
Great draw
Looking ahead to the next assignment, Voak is sky-high on confidence after Papinik landed the much-coveted barrier one draw. And he cannot see anyone stopping them.
"After drawing barrier one, Papinik should lead his rivals on a merry dance," a very confident Voak added. "Definitely, the plan is to lead, which he should do easily, with a leg in the air.
"The last time he led over this distance was five starts ago when he rated 1.55 (and won by a length and a half from Golden State, with final quarters of 27.9sec. and 27.1sec.)."
