Danny Nikolic knows he will be a marked man aboard odds-on favourite Mosheen in Saturday’s Group One Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.
But such is his confidence in the filly, he doesn’t believe it will matter.
After defying the outside barrier to win the Australian Guineas then overcoming a wide draw in the Randwick version, Mosheen has again drawn out in barrier seven of eight.
“She’s drawn a tricky barrier again so no doubt there will be jockeys looking for her in the run, being a short-priced favourite,” Nikolic said.
“But I have got the upside that she’s got very good barrier speed if I want it out of the barriers, and she’ll take a sit, so I’ll just ride her to suit the race.
“I’m not going to go out there with a set plan. I’m just going to ride her like she’s the best horse.”
In the absence of Atlantic Jewel, Mosheen has stamped herself the dominant middle-distance three-year-old this autumn.
Her past two wins have been against the boys over 1600 metres and on Saturday she returns to fillies grade and steps up to 2000m.
An emphatic winner of the VRC Oaks (2500m) in the spring, Mosheen will relish the extra trip according to Nikolic.
“She’s probably racing like she needs a bit further so the rise to 2000 metres is going to be a good thing for her I believe,” he said.
Nikolic has attracted his share of controversy throughout his career and earlier this week faced a Melbourne court over allegations of assault, which he has denied.
He has made no secret of the fact Mosheen has been a shining light during what has been a difficult period.
She is also a special filly to trainer Robert Smerdon.
Smerdon prepared grand campaigner Bomber Bill for much of his illustrious career including a Group One win in the 2003 Goodwood Handicap.
But even considering Bomber Bill’s prolific winning record, Smerdon rates Mosheen his biggest success story.
“She’s proven herself. She’s won three Group Ones and she’s beaten the colts,” Smerdon said.
“She’s the most successful horse I’ve had.
“I’ve had horses like Bomber Bill, he won 18 Group races over his life although I didn’t have him the whole way through.”
Saturday’s race will be Mosheen’s fifth this campaign and while connections haven’t ruled out a start in the Australian Oaks, Smerdon’s focus is firmly on Saturday.
TAB Sportsbet has her at $1.60 for the Vinery with Streama at $2.40 the only other runner in calculations.
Smerdon has a healthy respect for Mosheen’s Guy Walter-trained rival, who finished fifth against the older mares in the Coolmore Classic last start.
“Streama is a good filly. I wouldn’t sell her short,” Smerdon said.
