Racing: Right-hand track Wheeler's worry

John Wheeler is worried more about the direction of the Ellerslie track than the class of opposition in tomorrow's $55,000 Network Visuals Champagne Stakes at Ellerslie.

His runner Juice is having her first start right-handed and Wheeler sees that as potentially her biggest danger.

Not that Wheeler lacks respect for the six opponents facing Juice.

There is only one winner among them - I Robot - but a number of others have displayed excellent potential in limited racing.

In three starts Juice has been a little unlucky not to have won. Wheeler was very disappointed when she ran luckless in the group one Manawatu Sires Stakes last start.

He has been working Juice right-handed four days out of six for the past two weeks to prepare her for Ellerslie.

"The only time she showed signs of gawking around was on Tuesday, but she worked on the outside that day.

"It's very difficult for 2-year-olds to switch after getting used to racing in one direction."

In that sense Ellerslie is more difficult than most tracks to get used to. Not only is the direction different, young horses can become a little confused by its undulating nature.

Wheeler sees the No 3 barrier as an advantage. "That draw will keep her in tight and stop any urge to wander."

I Robot has won two of six starts and ran second to talented Ransom Express.