Danica Guy’s assault on New Zealand’s two Group One 1200-metre sprints with different horses begins in the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on Thursday.
The Matamata trainer, who is seeking her first Group One victory, saddles In Style in the Railway, and three weeks later hopes to present stablemate Tomorrowland in the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham.
In Style is third pick behind Ryan Mark and Mosse, who she beat in the Group Three Concorde at the same course and distance on December 6 and is no worse off than either at the weights or barrier draw.
Ryan Mark went into the Concorde with six consecutive wins behind him but In Style nosed him out after being headed off in the straight.
He remains favourite for the race but the weight differential with In Style is the same and Ryan Mark is likely to start from the second to outside barrier of 13, whereas In Style probably starts from barrier eight.
“She’s proven Ryan Mark is beatable, although he’ll still be very tough,” Guy said.
“She’s done very well and she’s got enough gate speed from that draw to find a nice place.”
Guy expects a tough race but says her mare should run well provided the track stays in good order.
“We’ve discovered this season that she needs a dry track. We were worried about the forecast earlier in the week but it’s looking better now.”
Guy also saddles up runners in two other Group races at Ellerslie, with Capone in the Group Two Rich Hill Mile, an open handicap, and China Silk in the Group Three Eclipse Stakes for two-year-olds.
Meanwhile, Guy says Tomorrowland is doing well heading towards the Telegraph after winning a Listed 1400-metre race at Te Rapa on December 13 – perhaps too well.
“We may need to find something for him to do so he doesn’t hurt himself,” she said.
“There aren’t any trials or suitable races so it may have to be an exhibition gallops somewhere.”
