A two-year-old race in Brisbane without a couple Mishani team runners facing the starter is few and far between … and Saturday’s $500 000 Two-Year-Old QTIS Jewel at Doomben is no exception.
With a full field of sixteen runners chasing the big prize, the Les Ross stable sends out no less than a quarter of the field, who all race under owner Mike Crooks’ Mishani Enterprises banner.
Mishani Royale was a facile winner at Eagle Farm on March 4, making light work of the opposition when beating Within Reason, another Jewel contender, by 1.68 lengths.
That was Mishani Royale’s third successive victory from only four starts (she finished second on debut) and there was plenty to like about her commitment in the finish in all three wins.
That commitment will face a new test on Saturday though where Mishani Royale will race beyond 1000m for the first time with the 1200m in play for the big race.
Ben Thompson, who was in the saddle for the daughter of Kobayashi’s last two wins, gives the filly his vote of confidence by stepping up for the ride again.
Mishani Gangster actually trumps Mishani Royale’s form at this stage with his perfect two wins from two starts race. The gelding, who is also by Kobayashi, similarly will race over 1200m for the first time on Saturday.
Tegan Harrison takes the ride, replacing Jimmy Orman, who partnered Mishani Gangster in both wins.
“We did try to get Jimmy Orman again, but he’s been booked to ride Rupert’s House,” said Ross. “Gangster’s got two for two. he is a nice little horse and he has come back well.”
Mishani Mettalic, has had twice the number of runs of Mishani Royale, was also a last start winner, but the fact that win came at Toowoomba in her eighth attempt might on the surface suggest she could be hard pressed to emulate that feat.
However, she did also show to good advantage when finishing just under two lengths back to the Bjorn Baker trained Rupert’s House on March 11 with the winner there looking to be a possible smart horse in the making. Rupert’s House will be one of the runners to beat in Saturday’s line-up.
Mishani Raider matches Mishani Mettalic’s form stats of one win from eight starts.
He has been consistent enough against lesser opposition, only once finishing out of the first three places … and that was in arguably one of his better runs when finishing fourth from a wide barrier in the Jewel Prelude in a race in which only 0.80 lengths covered the debut winner Spin Doctor, Zelgaria, Top Fun and Mishani Raider across the line.
Spin Doctor and Top Fun are also both involved in Saturday’s QTIS Two-Year-Old Jewel Jewel contest.
“Raider ran a good race the other day. he wasn’t beaten by much,” added Ross.
“I do think all my runners have live chances. anyone of them could win on their day, but I do think Mishani Royale is probably the best of the them.”
