Racing: Filly a chance in $1m race

Riding Shotgun has impressed lately with the strength of his finishing runs. Photo / Trish Dunell

Chad Ormsby yesterday corrected us on an important element of the form for tomorrow's $1 million Karaka Million at Ellerslie.

The Matamata trainer has a differing opinion to most on the winning debut performance of Divissima, who has been backed into favouritism for New Zealand's richest horse race.

Divissima won by 2.7 lengths from the hot favourite Thrill at Paeroa on January 9, to most observers displaying extreme greenness in zig-zagging the final 250m when well in front of the opposition.

"I know most people thought she was staring around and running greenly, but she was just waiting for the opposition. She's normally a very professional filly in every way."

The difference that makes is enormous. It is generally accepted that 2-year-olds having their first look at Ellerslie are at a disadvantage. There is so much to look at coming up the home straight they often get distracted.

Divissima and Opaki-trained Longchamp are the only two runners in tomorrow's feature who have not previously seen Ellerslie.

Ormsby's confidence that the outing will not faze Divissima is encouraging for the punters that supported the filly beyond the original favourite Vespa in the market.

At Paeroa Divissima easily left in her wake the hot favourite Thrill, who came out and won at $1.10 at Rotorua yesterday.

On the ability she displayed she is a real chance of grabbing a stunning victory, but James McDonald will have to bring his magic to the table from a very awkward No 11 barrier.

The Mike Moroney, Chad Ormsby team also has in the Million field Massale, to be ridden by Melbourne-based international jockey Kerrin McEvoy.

"He's still a bit new to the game after only two starts and it was my fault he didn't finish closer last start. I gave Michael McNab the wrong instructions to ride him too handy. He hit the front too soon and didn't start going until the others went past him."

Leo Molloy has an enormous confidence about his runner Riding Shotgun, who has impressed lately with the strength of his finishing runs.

This is a race that is won by a horse hitting the line strongly, regardless of where that horse has been placed in running. "In his first two starts he knew only to jump and run, so we spelled him and re-educated him, getting to learn to trail. He's now educated to every contingency."

Riding Shotgun had an interrupted run at Ellerslie last start and missed by the width of a pencil to beat Way In. The No 8 barrier does not worry Molloy.

"I can see him being fifth or sixth from there, one (width) off and doing no work. I believe he's had the best preparation in the race."

Johno Benner has similar confidence in his horse Vespa after his unlucky third to Vinnie Eagle on January 1. "He's done well since then and we'll be arriving there confident."

Conclusion: 1 Riding Shotgun, 2 Divissima, 3 Vespa. Best value Jackofall and Coachella.