Roll on the Cox Plate when Sunline will at least be backable.
Australasia's champion racehorse certainly is not backable in today's $A210,000 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The stitches Trevor McKee's had in his finger midweek after Sunline savaged him might still be annoying him, but his anger must dissipate when he looks at the ordinary level of opposition facing the mare today.
Once again she has frightened them away. If Sunline does not win today without being knocked down at least three times, she does not win the Cox Plate. Looking at the field it would take a major catastrophe to see her beaten.
To those who are backable: It might pay to take the chance on Cheiron's (No2, R8) bad barrier draw in the $100,000 Hawkes Bay Challenge Stakes.
Trainer Bruce March wants rider Brian Hibberd to go forward early from a tough No 8 gate rather than rely on Cheiron's brilliant late sprint, and there are few more astute judges than Marsh. If Hibberd can find the right run, Cheiron should go close and guarantee himself a start in the $A600,000 Epsom Handicap in Sydney. Surface (No7) can run a blinder fresh and Cinder Bella (No9) and Integrate (No10) are the trifecta chances.
Vulpix (No7, R4) showed a ton of guts to come back at highly talented Willie Capone at Hastings last start, despite the fact the other horse was hitting the fitness wall in the closing stages. Vulpix has had just three races and can only improve. What beats him wins the Hawkes Bay Guineas.
Quesada (No4) and St Therese (No14) are dangers and the longshot value could be Kings Honor (No12).
The barrier draw has made the Highview Stakes an impossible race. It's so bad you almost have to forget the draw and go strictly on a class index and hope for luck. In that case Spring Rain (No1, R6) gets the vote. She represents unquestionable class and although trainer Roger James does not want her to have a gut buster fresh, she would not be there if was was not up to being competitive.
Star Satire (No5) is the filly to watch. Forget that she failed in the Manawatu Sires Produce and go on her previous two outstanding wins. She could be equal to the best around.
Butterscotch (No6) is on the way up and Conquistar (No3), Playful Fingers (No2) and Diamond Cashel (No12) add class to what is shaping as a fantastic race.
The barrier draw has done him no favour, but Prince Amaizing (No3, R10) is up to still going close. His maiden Tauranga win was no fluke and perhaps an even better guide to today is his very good juvenile form. My Happiness (No1) is up to continuing her progress.
If you are looking at the SixPack, Folshom Street (No2), Mr Kudos (No8), Beeline (No12) and Lottery Prize (No5) are strong hopes to get some of the money.
Lord Presto (No3, R5) is smart, certainly smarter than the midfield placing he produced fresh from a spell last start. Give him another chance.
Call Me Zeus (No1, R9) was caught in the last bound by a very smart High Grove last start and does not face one as good today. He should go on and be a top performer in the best grades and will be hard to head off here.
Okiwi Bay (No3, R9) may be one of the better bets at Counties. He comes in fresh here, a state he seems to produce his best form in and meets a field which, while useful, does not contain a world beater.
Miss Merc (No9, R5) looks improved and can go close, while rival Lord Sedona (No3) is better than his form suggests and may produce his best on his home track.
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