Racing: Strata Lady draws support

Strata Lady was the big shortener for Sunday's Karaka Million after yesterday's critical barrier draw.

The Matamata filly has been dragged in from $7 to $5 joint second favourite after drawing barrier No6.

Strata Lady from the O'Sullivan/Scott stable was hugely impressive winning on debut and will be ridden by visiting jockey James McDonald.

Lisa Latta's Bella Court, another to score stylishly lately, shortened only a point from $10 into $9, despite a favourable No4 barrier. Sydney jockey Tommy Berry has been engaged.

The TAB brought Queensland's Hardline in from $8 to $6 even though he is drawn awkwardly at No11. His appearance made an impression when worked at Ellerslie on Tuesday morning.

The interesting acceptor is Nigel Tiley's second runner, The Justice League, who eased to only $5 from $4.50 as the race's first emergency.

He is thought by many to be the equal of any of this season's juveniles.

Lucky In The Draw: Showboy (1), Selfie (5), Bella Court (4), Strata Lady (6), O'Dianne (2).

So-so: Maritimo (8), Windborne (7).

Unlucky: Dal Cielo (16), Hardline (11), Gotham (12), Ilikai (14), China Silk (17).

The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson-trained Maritimo remains favourite, even though a couple of barriers wider (No8) than her connections would have liked. She eased from $4 to $4.50.

Meanwhile, a proven combination will be back in business at Trentham on Saturday when Sam Spratt is re-united with Perfect Start.

She won the Cup Prelude at Awapuni and the Manawatu Cup on the mare, before they were checked out of contention in the City of Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.

Danielle Johnson picked up the winning ride last weekend in the Trentham Stakes but Spratt will fortuitously be back in the saddle for the Platinum Homes Wellington Cup.

"Danielle had first choice and she's sticking with Cursive," trainer Wayne Hillis said.

"Sam hasn't ridden for us a lot, but I'm more than happy to have her on and she knows the mare well." Perfect Start looks ideally placed to continue on her winning way after downing Decorah and Delveen seven days ago with 54kg.

The Matamata horseman has a strong supporting cast engaged at Trentham, with Levantos (R1), Vincent Street (R2), Letmego (R3) and Nothing Trivial (R8) all having genuine claims.

Vincent Street finished second behind the group winner Moozoon on the first day and he is thriving on a regular diet of racing. Letmego is back to 1200m on Saturday. additional reporting, NZ Racing Desk