Racing: McKee expects strong showing from stable pair

Ardmore trainer Stephen McKee is expecting a strong showing from his horses in the main races in Australia and New Zealand tomorrow.

McKee, recovering after being laid low by a mystery illness earlier this month, has NZ horse of the year Mufhasa in the group one A$650,000 Doomben Cup (1350m) in Brisbane tomorrow and Denmark in New Zealand's listed Great Northern Foal Stakes for 2-year-olds at Ellerslie.

McKee, who had a spell in Waikato Hospital after falling ill at the Te Rapa races on May, said yesterday he was "coming right".

Mufhasa, who races in Australia as King Mufhasa, has a much more suitable race in which to show his ability than the BTC Cup at Doomben on May 15, when he ran sixth after being wide throughout from an outside draw.

With the more favourable draw of eight in the 16-horse field, King Mufhasa gets a better chance, said McKee.

"He was three or four wide in the BTC Cup and in a group one 1200m sprint, it's pretty hard to do, so the 1350m will suit better too."

King Mufhasa has been stabled at a private track at the Gold Coast and had improved since the BTC Cup, said McKee.

"He's very well, they are pretty happy with him over here."

McKee is under no illusions about the task, with opponents of the calibre of Whobegotyou, Ortensia and Hot Danish in the field, but thinks King Mufhasa, who should be on the pace, can perform well.

"He is generally fitter with that run under his belt and with that good draw should be better all round."

King Mufhasa is going into the race in Australia as a $31 chance on TAB Sportsbet, but his price on the New Zealand TAB fixed odds market was only $14.

Regular rider Sam Spratt will be on King Mufhasa, while Leith Innes takes the mount on promising McKee 2-year-old Starcheeka in the listed A$100,000 Phoenix Stakes (1350m).

Starcheeka, a Starcraft gelding, won his last start, at Hastings. "He's a lovely horse and I am happy with what he has done so far," said McKee.

Back at Ellerslie, he is confident Denmark will fight out the finish of the Great Northern Foal Stakes.

The 2-year-old Danehill Dancer gelding should cope with a wet track.

"I think he will handle it quite well and the 1400m will suit. He is out of a Zabeel mare so he will probably keep improving, but I think he has done enough to be hard to beat on Saturday."

- NZPA