Racing: Class mare may prove best bet

By MIKE DILLON

Honor Babe each way in the A$800,000 Sydney Cup might be the smartest bet today.

Sure there is a risk - the classy New Zealand mare has never had a look at 3200m - but everything she does suggests she will cope.

She was $6.50 in Sydney overnight. You won't get that, but don't take ridiculous odds - group one 3200m races in Australia are hard to win for our horses and it's not just because of relative ability.

New Zealand may even quinella the race with Phenomenal View, who also has yet to try 3200m.

His run in the Chairman's Handicap two weeks ago was nowhere near as bad as the final placing on paper suggests.

National Treasure is favourite at $4, but I prefer Chairman's winner Grey Song as the danger.

The rain changes Te Rapa and Trentham form.

At Trentham the change is positive for local runner Irish Rover (No1, R8), who looks close to a good thing for his first start since a spell.

Irish Rover is a class act and while he is short of full fitness, he is unbeaten in two starts when fresh from a break and he simply loves wet tracks.

Take the chance on him, the 57kg and all.

Reg (No4) is another who will love the conditions.

At Te Rapa, Impressive King (No5, R5) is due for another steeplechase win.

It was a huge effort on his part when Cool Conductor beat him by a nose at Ellerslie last start, and the shorter distance and flatter course - where he has won - is perfect for him.

Flo Jo (No3, R6) was unlucky to run into one as good as Country Class at Ellerslie last start.

Her finish into second was impressive and on a track that should suit her, she appeals.

So does her stablemate Miss Leading (No4), who is improving.

Able Way (No8, R8) may have finished last in the $150,000 Easter Handicap last start, but that was on a firm track.

In softer conditions this time he appeals. His record on heavy tracks, as an example, is six starts for two wins and four minor placings. And he has not been out of a place at Te Rapa.

Mr Emperor (No6) is still the horse to beat, and don't put Regal Krona (No2) out of contention.

The 4kg claim War Dancer (No1) will receive is probably the defining factor of Race 9.

He looked smart last campaign and on rain-affected footing, which he loves, plus dropping back in class from his last campaign, he has a lot of appeal in his first start since September.