Streama beat More Joyous in the race for NSW Horse of the year honours but trainer Guy Walter expects the positions to be reversed when the two meet in the Sheraco Stakes on Saturday.
Both mares will carry 59kg under the set weights and penalties conditions of the Listed event and although Walter is pleased with Streama, he is under no illusions about her task.
“Streama can’t beat More Joyous at level weights and I’m not expecting her to,” Walter said.
“I think she is fit enough for 1200 metres but she has never won first-up.
“She hasn’t completely dropped her winter coat and she will be better in a couple of weeks but this is a starting point.”
Jockey Hugh Bowman was reserved in his opinion of Streama’s recent barrier trial when she finished fourth behind Satin Shoes at Rosehill but Walter said the mare had done well since the hit-out.
“I wasn’t too concerned about her trial,” Walter said.
“It’s what she does on raceday that counts.
“She will be better in a couple of weeks.
“She’s doing well and eating well and I’m pleased with how she’s come back but there is always a question over stepping up from three to four (years old).”
More Joyous has won eight Group One races to Streama’s two and is being set on a path towards the Cox Plate while Streama will be aimed at the Myer Classic on the first day of the Melbourne Cup carnival.
The two will be giving weight to all other runners in Saturday’s race which attracted 11 entries on Monday.
In the wash-up from Saturday’s Warwick Farm meeting, Walter said Toydini had come through his unplaced run in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) in good order.
The colt didn’t perform to punters’ expectations but his trainer said the plan was still to press on to the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) and the Group One Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).
“I think he is looking for extra ground,” Walter said.
“Perhaps it was a bit of second-up syndrome as well but he is in good order and we will press on.”
