Traditionally 2-year-old racing has been the punters' best friend and Flying Babe might prove that in today's $500,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Classique at Te Rapa.
The flying Takanini filly is very smart.
Don't make the mistake of underrating her last-start Avondale win simply because she beat only three rivals. It was an outstanding effort.
She was taken on in front under 57.5kg and still kicked away easily to win in fast time. There is no doubt the Jillings/Yuill stable had left a little in the class filly so she could improve even further and her work since has been excellent.
It has not harmed her chances that South Islander Coup Ray drew the outside barrier. Few juveniles win from that side at Te Rapa, but rider Noel Harris will drop him back for certain and if the pace is right on, the draw may not be the great disincentive everyone imagines.
Harris rides all his mounts cold, allowing them maximum effort for a last charge. If Flying Babe is taken on in front Coup Ray may have the last say.
His finishing effort, admittedly against slightly easier company at Trentham, was stylish.
The trifecta may be difficult, but don't underestimate Dance Class because she faded to finish third behind Flying Babe at Avondale. Rider Michael Coleman had no choice but to take Flying Babe on in front that day and it brought Dance Class undone. Remember her flying finish to win at the Ellerslie carnival.
One of the really great performance of the 41 winning efforts at Ellerslie was that of rapid improver Borelli (No5, R8). He came from last to produce a whirlwind finish through the field and win on Auckland Cup day and as a horse with only seven starts behind him there is every expectation he can improve further.
The Jillings/Yuill stable has long held Borelli in high regard and if he can produce a similar finish this time be will go close. Marrok (No2) took a week to get into the clear when winning at Trentham and is clearly back to his best after niggling problems.
Winning four on end is tough these days, but Ismailia (No5, R7) can manage it today, despite jumping up a grade. She has been super impressive and has had time to freshen nicely since winning at Ellerslie on January 2. She is on her home track and although this is open company, 52.5kg is a nice weight. Last-start winner Strauss's Delight is tough and hard and should figure again.
Finishing sixth at Thames is not normally a great recommendation, but Napoleon's (No4, R4) effort there was terrific. He was a bit stirred up, missed the start and had to do a fair bit in running. Ten Carat (No6) has been impressive winning her only two starts and Zomp (No1) is fit and hard.
Noel Eales does not travel his horses unless they are a strong winning chance and Yachting Magic (No1, R2) is a big hope against an easier field than that in which she ran third at Trentham last week. What beats her should win. Miss Pollyanna (No4) is a big trifecta hope.
Bel Air (No1, R10) has not won so far this campaign, but he is in for a good time. He looks a coming stayer and should go close to breaking through this time. His third under 57.5kg last start was excellent and the 56kg this time will be easier. Catherine (No4) was well out of the money at Ellerslie last start, but on a firmer track today should be capable of showing what she is made of.
Racing: This Flying Takanini filly is one extremely smart Babe
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