Horse Racing: Childs to ride Sunline

By Mike Dillon

The McKee stable is keeping the Sunline ride open for Larry Cassidy even though he will be missing from the saddle in Saturday's $A500,000 Kewney Stakes in Melbourne.

Greg Childs replaces Cassidy, who has had pressure put on him to remain in Sydney to ride Arena in the $A400,000 Canterbury Guineas, fulfilling his obligations as No 1 rider for powerful owners Jack and Bob Ingham, who operate Crown Lodge, Australia's biggest stable.

"Larry was very disappointed, but we told him we have only one horse here and you are riding for the biggest stable in Australia, you've got to look after your future," Sunline's co-trainer Stephen McKee said yesterday.

Childs has been engaged for only the one race, but McKee said they expect Cassidy to have the same pressure on him to remain in Sydney for Sunline's next scheduled start, the $A1 million Moonee Valley Oaks.

"The Rosehill Guineas is the same day in Sydney and Larry will probably be required for Arena or one of the other stable runners.

"But Larry will retain the ride when Sunline goes to Sydney and she could go there straight after Saturday's race.

"Because she missed in the first leg of the triple crown last start, there's no compulsion to stay in Melbourne for the Oaks.

"The weight-for-age George Ryder Stakes is the same day in Sydney and we could head for that if we decide it's a better lead in to the Doncaster Handicap."

There had been talk of the Lee Freedman-trained Rose O'War, who beat Sunline in the Armanasco Stakes last start, taking on Monday's $A1.25 million Australian Cup instead of the Kewney, but Freedman confirmed yesterday Rose O'War would be there for the re-match with Sunline.

Little separated the pair as Sunline suffered her first career defeat at Caulfield and the Mc Kees are confident they have a much fitter Sunline this time.

"There was so much improvement in her from last start that I thought she looked better 10 minutes after the race than she did before it," McKee said.

"The other thing that race did for her is it made her settle in better. It took her a little while to settle into her new surroundings on the previous trip to Australia. She's eating much better now."

Rose O' War's victory over Sunline at Caulfield will have little influence on the betting on Saturday's race.

Melbourne bookmakers were yesterday unanimous Sunline would start a hot favourite.

"I'd say it will be Sunline even money [$2] and Rose O' War 3-1 [$4] and kiss ya backside the rest of them," said Brian Taylor, manager for bookie Michael Eskander.