Simply Shaz - last years Mares Classic winner. Photo by Pacepix.
Tonight’s $150,000 Group 1 Westral Mares Classic looks to be a dazzling display, with WA’s top mares going head-to-head for the crown.
Jocelyn Young is heavily represented in the feature, with Steno, Castella Dellacqua and Peaceful all getting their chance to claim the Group 1 victory.
Steno has a tough task ahead after drawing barrier six, with Aardiebytheseaside NZ drawn inside of her in barrier two, and by all reports from Skye Bond, she’s working as good as ever.
Shane Young joined the Sports Daily on Thursday morning, and he made mentioned his mixed opinions on her previous two runs at Gloucester Park.
“I think the run two runs ago was really good, just the way she finished off and got to the line, little bit disappointed last start, she probably should have finished a little bit closer to those horses with the run she had, but she’s a fortnight between that run and the first one might have flattened her off a little bit.
“But her work and everything at home says she’s good, she looks really well, she has a reasonable draw, I’m sure if she has an ounce of luck she can run a good race.” Shane Young told the Sports Daily.
Wonderful To Fly won at Gloucester Park two starts ago on November 1, after a troublesome preparation lead her to struggle to find form of late.
“I think everything seems to be tracking in the right direction and she worked well Wednesday, and she worked ok last Saturday, but we did a blood on her this week which came through as good as she’s been.
“She may not be quite at the top of her game but she’s as good as I’m going to get her.
“For me, I probably need Steno to have a crack, whether she crosses or not that just creates some lead time pressure, and if we can just get a soft enough run, we’re a chance.”
Last Word:
Our Sandy Shore: “No horse will be going intothis race healthier or fitter. She will be given her chance.” Colin Brown
Aardiebytheseaside NZ: “Working as good as ever and will be trying to use the barrier to advantage.” Skye Bond
Wonderful To Fly: “I’ll probably go out as good as I can, but I’m not expecting to lead, just maybe to get into the moving line.” Shane Young
Nullarbor Navajo: “It looks tough from the draw and Stewie will just have to find a spot early, she’s improved off her last run, but she will need luck.” Corey Peterson
Little Darling: “She’s going really good, but tactics haven’t been decided. Tough field as we all know.” Katie Howlett
Steno: ”She’s a star but she’ll need to be to win from here.” Jocelyn Young
Castella Dellacqua: “Couldn’t be happier with her work and the way she looks leading into this, needs racing luck from 7.”Jocelyn Young
Soho Seraphine: ”Looks hard.” Mitch Miller
Penny Black NZ: ”Can win but needs luck, can make her own under the right circumstances.” Michael Young
Starlight Dream: SCRATCHED
Stormyskyes: ”I reckon she’s a top 5 chance. Didn’t go well last start, had a temp, but she’s feeling good now and ready to go.” Shane Steele
Peaceful: “In super form, can be put into the race.” Jocelyn Young
Paroquet (10): “Good draw and extra trip suits. Each Way.” Michael Munro