Luck continues to evade Hedged, who is searching for a breakthrough victory for the Gavin Bedggood team in The Meteorite at Cranbourne.

Although already a four-time winner from 20 starts, Hedged has yet to land a blow since joining Bedggood’s yard this campaign.

Misfortune has plagued each of his three runs this preparation.

The former Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained sprinter kicked off with a narrow second at Cranbourne on October 10, endured a badly interrupted run down the Flemington straight on Melbourne Cup week’s opening day, and then finished runner-up to Boston Rocks at Caulfield last Saturday.

Bedggood believes that with some kinder fortune, Hedged could easily boast two wins for the stable, while acknowledging he was simply beaten by a superior performance last weekend.

The Meteorite has been the long-range target for Hedged since the outset of his preparation, and Bedggood is confident the gelding arrives in ideal order for Saturday’s assignment.

“It was always an option, as we have always known it was there,” Bedggood said.

“When he drew well last week and he came up favourite, we had to take our chance. We didn’t get our chance, but in saying that I still think we run second, just a little closer, and he certainly hasn’t raced poorly for us.

“He had no luck first-up, he was stiff second-up at Flemington, and probably should have run second, and I think last week he was beaten by the better horse.”

Hedged travelled widely under his previous stable, competing in Sydney and Brisbane, and on this corresponding weekend last year he finished third in The Warra at Kembla Grange.

With last Saturday’s run under his belt, Bedggood opted for a lighter workload heading into this crucial tilt.

“We haven’t had to do anything with him this week other than tick him over,” Bedggood said.

“He’s drawn well and he looks as though he’ll get a good run from that gate.

“Jigsaw and Zou Sensation are drawn outside him, and they usually look to push forward, and he should be third or fourth, and hopefully we can stay off the fence.”

Jamie Mott will partner Hedged for the first time on Saturday.