Black Heart Bart is yet to taste anything but success on the 1400m course at Caulfield Racecourse and has firmed into clear favouritism in 2017 PB Lawrence Stakes betting markets ahead of this afternoon’s feature race.

Black Heart Bart is set to jump favourite in this afternoon’s PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

The talented seven-year-old has not been seen at the races since he failed to run on and finished fifth in the Group 1 Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) on May 27^th, but he has reportedly relished his time away from competition and is primed for a big win this afternoon.

Winner of the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield upon resuming last spring, the Blackfriars gelding ran second behind Malaguerra in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) in January this year, before posting consecutive wins in the Group 1 Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m); both at Caulfield.

Having opened at PB Lawrence Stakes odds of $3.50 at Ladbrokes.com.au following Wednesday’s release of the field and barrier draw, Black Heart Bart has firmed into a quote of $2.90 and is set to jump favourite.

Hartnell has continued to receive a steady flow of support in PB Lawrence Stakes betting markets and remains the sole occupant of the second line at $3.20 odds.

Hartnell has been a strong and consistent performer throughout his entire racing career so far, but has undoubtedly found his best form throughout the last twelve months.

Second behind Winx in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) first-up last spring, the Authorized gelding won each of the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), Group 2 Hill Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) with complete ease.

Again second to the champion mare in the Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m), Hartnell was returned to the paddock after running third in the Melbourne Cup.

While unable to return to winning form in autumn, Hartnell produced several impressive performances and results and was a runner-up in both the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) most notably.

Craig Williams will take the ride on Hartnell, who should prove extremely difficult to beat from barrier 8.

Tosen Stardom ($8) and Star Exhibit ($9.50) are the only other runners currently available at 2017 PB Lawrence Stakes odds on less-than $10, while Humidor ($10) and He’s Our Rokkii ($19) represent terrific value at Ladbrokes.com.au.