Racing: Luck Banner’s major rival

Last week's anticipated match-race between Mainland Banner and Foreal may not have eventuated, but that does not mean this week's rematch in the Nevele R Fillies Series Final is any less appetising.

Only this time it's not Mainland Banner v. Foreal, but Mainland Banner v. potential misfortune.

After her dominant win in last week's New Zealand Oaks, it is almost inconceivable that the best daughter of Christian Cullen will be beaten on merit.

In the Oaks, Mainland Banner underlined her superiority by racing wide for the last lap and still running a time only 0.2s outside Pullover Brown's national record.

The manner of her victory even impressed driver Ricky May, one of her biggest fans since even before she raced.

"She's such a laid-back filly," said May. "She got left in front a fair way out but when Molly Darling came at her in the last 20 to 30 metres she really picked up again.

"She's one of those horses that just always seems to have a bit more."

May says Mainland Banner is the best 3-year-old filly he has ever driven, an unsurprising but nonetheless impressive claim given that he has piloted Classy Filly, Robyns Treasure, Shania Patron and Turkana to Group One wins in recent years.

He says, however, that some widely reported quotes attributed to him after last week's win were misleading.

"When I came back, Ian Dobson [owner] said that she might be as good as Christian Cullen. I joked that she might be even better. I didn't mean it to be taken seriously."

It is a big enough claim that May describes Mainland Banner as being right up there with his New Zealand Cup winners Iraklis and Inky Lord.

He is also confident that she can make next season's difficult transition from 3-year-old fillies' company to taking on the older horses.

"I'm sure she can. And she's probably the only 3-year-old filly I've driven that I'd say that about."

If only bad luck can beat Mainland Banner tonight, then it certainly got in a good first punch when the draw came out on Tuesday and showed the star filly bundled away on the inside of the second line.

"That's probably the only show she's got of getting beaten," said a chuckling May. "She's got a pretty good one in front of her [Life Of Luxury] who is also good out of the gate. I think she'll be one of the hardest to beat."

But while having well-fancied good beginners in front usually suits horses drawn on the inside of the second line, in this case it presents May with some difficult decisions.

For example, if the horse in front of Mainland Banner were rated little chance then May would be compelled to restrain his charge and go round the field.

The temptation now is to stay on the back of Life Of Luxury, but with that comes the possibility of ending up pocketed and without options.

Given the dominance of last week's win, however, it is hard to imagine May will allow that to happen.

Molly Darling, who got closest to Mainland Banner in the Oaks, and beaten favourite Foreal appeal as the main dangers.

Foreal should be forgiven last week's run, the first time she has been beaten in New Zealand this season, as she was forced to sprint multiple times in the race.

Also with place prospects is last season's champion 2-year-old filly, Kamwood Cully, who has shown signs of a return to form with tough efforts at her last two starts.