Racing: Overseas trip for super filly

Carabella looks the best of good things at Addington tomorrow. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The best pointer to Carabella's chances at Addington tomorrow isn't just what she has already done but what trainer Brendon Hill is now considering doing with the super star filly.

Carabella goes into the $140,000 Nevele R Fillies Final at the rare Addington day meeting with one of the greatest records compiled by a New Zealand pacing filly to start her career.

She has won 10 of her 11 starts, including some epic wins over now retired Pukekohe arch-rival Bettor Cover Lover, some of those victories coming in races she simply should not have won.

Her record is all the more impressive because she is bred to Northern Hemisphere time and much smaller than most of her rivals.

But growing pains and physical disadvantages appear to be behind Carabella and that sounds an ominous warning to rival trainers tomorrow.

"She is the best she has been," Hill told the Herald.

"She has stopped growing, which means she has all her strength for racing now.

"So much so that after her next three races I am considering taking her to Queensland for races over there and then the Australian Oaks, races which were never originally going to be on her radar."

So happy has Hill been with Carabella he cancelled one of her planned two trials heading into tomorrow's group one.

"She trialled that well at Rangiora two weeks ago I decided she didn't need another run.

"She paced her last 800m in 54.3 seconds and did it easy, so she is ready for this week."

Carabella has simply been too sharp for the rivals she meets tomorrow and from barrier five gets the chance to go forward and dominate the race, especially with other key runners Miss Elsie (barrier eight) and Maid In Splendour (outside of second line) drawn so poorly.

So it is nearly impossible to see her beaten if Hill's assessment of her well-being is correct.

The Addington meeting plays host to three other age group features, with Orl Black, Franco Hemmingway and Alberto Contador drawn to control the $250,000 juvenile pace.

Flying Isa can give the bookies nightmares in the $60,000 Sires' Stakes Trot as he is the best backed runner in next month's Harness Jewels and just keeps winning.

A disappointing NZ Trotting Oaks field is headed by Madisonz Luck and Brookside Filly - both raced well at Alexandra Park last Friday.

A clash between one of last season's best 3-year-olds and one of this year's highlights the Alexandra Park programme tonight.

Bettor Dream, who has won seven races this season, meets last season's Harness Jewels and Sires' Stakes winner Sir Lincoln in race seven.

Bettor Dream was fantastic winning at Alexandra Park last Friday but Sir Lincoln is coming off solid performances in the Taylor Mile and Messenger so deserves favouritism.

His driver Maurice McKendry also has a strong book tonight with Bill Mac, Rommel, Turismo and CC Miami all winning chances.

WEEKEND WINNERS
Best bet: Carabella (Addington, tomorrow): Exceptional filly and anchor for multi bets.

Each-way: Major Mark (Addington): Drawn to go forward and lead was outstanding in NZ Derby.

Huge class drop: Sir Lincoln (Alex Park, tonight): Comes back from elite 4-year-old races so well placed.

Improver: Vinnie Barberino (Alex Park): Two big races in better fields lately and 2700m will suit.

Trailer: Alberto Contador (Addington): Has the boss back in the sulky and will get a good run.