By MIKE DILLON
Co-trainer Colin Jillings does not waste his time wishing, but he would have loved another two weeks to the $200,000 Mudgway Stakes.
A fortnight would have made a huge difference to the preparation of Sedecrem for the group one event.
"We were late getting him back from the Queensland winter carnival and it's put us two weeks behind.
"We've tried to bring him on without killing him and he's well, but the timing is a factor.
"The other thing is that his prep has always been aimed at the Kelt Stakes."
Bruce Marsh feels the same about King Of Them All.
"The Kelt is his race and we've got our fingers crossed for this one.
"Having said that he's a very fit horse, there will be no excuses outside luck in running.
"We don't really know what he can do at 1400m at weight-for-age, but whatever he will eventually be capable of, he will produce this time - he's right up to the mark."
Marsh warns not to read too much into King Of Them All being beaten into fourth in the Winter Championship at Flemington two starts back before returning home to win a sprint at Foxton 12 days ago.
"He got galloped on in his lead-up race and had missed vital work going into that race."
Marsh has total respect for Starcraft, rating him the horse to beat, but echoes the thoughts of trainers that travelling overseas for a race is never as easy as racing on your home patch.
"There are no bonuses in what he's doing. Compared to racing at home, it can be difficult."
Bruce Herd has landed the ride on Sedecrem, who was desperately unlucky not to have finished in the first three in the 1400m Stradbroke Handicap at the Queensland winter carnival.
Stephen Autridge saddles up triple group one-winning mare Lashed and 3-year-old late entry Cedar Manor and says the effort of Lashed will be interesting.
"Don't be influenced by the fact she was well beaten at the Te Teko trials, where she was just going around. They went slow and quickened, which was against her and the other back runners.
"The distance is a mile short of her best, but on her trackwork she'll turn in a pretty handy run."
Impressive but inexperienced Cedar Manor gives no indication of his form in trackwork, says Autridge.
"He's a raceday horse. On his recent form we're expecting a big run."
Wayne Hillis knew he was on track with Kainui Belle when she galloped between races with race rival Penny Gem at Taupo last week.
"Noel [rider Noel Harris] was rapt with her," he said. "This is a best field put together in New Zealand for a long time.
"We've been lucky enough to draw close in which should be a help. I'd like to see her settle fourth or fifth. I'm very happy with her."
Moira Murdoch knows Burglar is fitter than when second to Whoc at Ruakaka last start.
"He hadn't raced for nearly eight months and he's a lot trimmer."
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