Racing: Lost US deal may yet provide some joy

Averil's Quest driven by James Stormont. Photo / File

Seaswift Joy could have easily been in North America instead of racing at Alexandra Park tonight and her rivals are probably going to wish she was.

The open class mare has a huge rating points advantage over her five rivals and brings a strong last-start third in the Jewels to tonight's main pace.

But trainer James Stormont says the four-year-old could easily have been gone by now.

"She was in the late stages of a deal to be sold to North America but it fell through," says Stormont.

"I think she will do a good job in the mares races here next season but she will soon be going back to Malcolm [Shinn] and he will train her for next season."

Seaswift Joy is tough and fast and while she has the outside barrier tonight it doesn't look a particularly quick front line so it wouldn't surprise to see her press forward at the start, maybe following a key rival like Max Phactor across to get handy.

But even if she gets back in the field, unless she is last on a slow pace, she is clearly the one to beat over the 1700m.

"She missed a very small bit of work when she was close to being sold but the way she worked on Wednesday she is ready," said Stormont.

She could help Stormont to a good night because although he has only four drives at least two others look winning chances and even veteran Idealistic finds herself with the right draw in the right race.

Stormont took over training Sunny Pegasus from Richard Brosnan when he moved to Australia and won fresh up with him. He goes up in grade tonight but it is not an intimidating jump and he looks at least as each way hope.

And Stormont says How Great Thou Art (race four) shouldn't be too disadvantaged by having a worse drawn that last Friday.

"He is still very green so I think the chance to settle him in the field won't do him any harm and he has a good turn of speed."

Park picks

• Best bet: Seaswift Joy (R9): Has a big class edge and worked well on Wednesday morning.

• Each way: Forever Pearl (R7): Racing well without any luck but gets the ace here and ready to win.

• Returning: New York Rain (R5): Group placed filly from same stable that has them ready fresh.