Racing: Bay filly on the trail to glory

Sam Spratt on the Stephen McKee-trained O'Marilyn are among favourites in the HB Gold Trail Stakes.

Unlike the McLean Park streaker, John Bary isn't about to add his aspirations to the bucket list any time soon.

Suffice it to say his naked turf ambition of sorts is up there but the Hastings trainer is simply content with ticking off the boxes.

"It's my first time in there," Bary says of the Hawke's Bay Breeders' Gold Trail Stakes in the second meeting of the JB Organics Hawke's Bay Spring Racing Carnival trilogy.

Hey, there's no disputing the $200,000 Windsor Park Plate over 1600m at 4.33pm is the marquee race in Hastings tomorrow.

But that shouldn't detract from the precursor, the $70,000 race at 2.10pm which gives the country's 3-year-old fillies the chance to make a dashing statement over 1200m.

"It's like the unveiling of the 3-year-olds - their first real test throughout the country - and where the pecking order will be in the whole season," Bary explains. His charge, Xcuses Xcuses, with Shannon Doyle in the saddle, lines up in barrier one in a field of a dozen.

"That's when you find out if you have a decent racehorse. They'll step up with the big boys and girls after that."

He has claimed the Bay's Triple Spring Crown, the HB Guineas and the HB Gold Cup so the Gold Trail Stakes will be a welcome addition.

Realistically, though, Bary will be "over the moon" should Xcuses Xcuses finish in the top three.

He bred the filly with the Bay's Ivan Grieve before gifting shares to mates Mike Sanders and Tony Clark.

The No12 barrier and a firming track will add to the stable cause tomorrow, with wind and a risk of rain forecast.

The need to obtain a good position before the first bend means it is important to be in the first half of the field to earn black-type distinction.

Top-class mare Bounding established her portfolio in the Gold Trail Stakes.

Another runner destined for the top could be the Stephen McKee-trained O'Marilyn, who starts from barrier three.

"It's her first run back this year and the training has been going well," McKee said yesterday.

"She's ready to run. She's really quite classy," the Ardmore trainer said of the filly by O'Reilly from Monroe Magic.

Foaled on September 28, 2011, O'Marilyn has the ability to run from anywhere - leading out of the gate or sitting in the midfield.

"She's complete with a good kick and a turn of foot," said McKee, who has a reputation of not just keeping racehorses competing at an elite level for a few months but for seasons.

Based at Takanini, near Auckland, he began training with his father, Trevor, in 1986 before the pair went on to clinch the NZ Trainers Premiership in 2000.

Trevor retired in 2006 but his son has kept the McKee flag flying in the top-10 trainers' list since.

The younger McKee is best known for training Sunline to 13 group one victories, including two Cox Plates in Australia and the Hong Kong Mile.

He also trained sprinter Mufasa, who won nine group one events, including the Windsor Park Plate at Hastings among four in the 2011-12 season when McKee was the leading New Zealand trainer of group and listed winners.

Sam Spratt will be in the saddle tomorrow and McKee is confident of a good run on a good or dead track.

The filly has pocketed owners Trevor McKee and Bary Rissetto $255,325 in career earnings.

Depending on how she goes tomorrow, Stephen McKee intends to race O'Marilyn in the NZ Bloodstock 42nd 1000 Guineas at Riccarton, Christchurch, on November 15.

There are no plans to take the Whakanui Stud Ltd-bred filly to Australia this year.

"There are some good races before Christmas in New Zealand," he said.

McKee felt Lady Royale, Bonniegirl and Divissima could give O'Marilyn a run for her money.

He has plans for 3-year-old Prince Mambo in the HB Guineas next year.