While most of the attention at Ascot on Sunday will be on the Perth Cup, the Furphy-Summer Scorcher (1000m) is set to be the most exciting event on the card.
The Listed feature has assembled a super field, headlined by speedy mares Wilchino and How’s The Serenity.
The Simon Miller-trained How’s The Serenity makes her return to the track in the $125,000 event, following two unplaced runs at Belmont in July.
Holly Watson retains the ride on How’s The Serenity, as she prepares for her third attempt at a Listed race.
Watson said she expected How’s The Serenity to be somewhere near the speed in running.
“I’m very excited to be back on her and her trials have been great,” Watson told TABradio.
“She jumps away really nicely and I’m hoping Indian Pacific is going to go as hard as what he did a couple of starts ago.
“If I could be outside of him or one-one then that would be an ideal spot for her.
“I think she will handle this high-pressure race.”
As well as Indian Pacific and How’s The Serenity, Wilchino is set to play a key role in the early stages of the event.
The mare finished third in a Belmont trial earlier this month and last raced in the Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) in November.
Chris Parnham rides the Dan Morton-trained mare from barrier two.
Parnham said he the best version of Wilchino would be the one to beat in the Summer Scorcher.
“She’s a very classy mare,” Parnham told TABradio
“She’s been a bit out of form.
“The trial was okay without being amazing.
“At her old self she may have still won the trial but I’m hopeful that she bounces back to her best.
“At her best she would win this race quite comfortably I feel.”
Wilchino is the $3.90 TABtouch favourite for the Summer Scorcher, ahead of How’s The Serenity ($4.40), Acromantula ($5.50) and Nowhiteflag ($6).
The sprint feature also sees the return of dual Listed race winner Uni Time, who carries the topweight of 62kg.
The Furphy-Summer Scorcher gets underway at 4.15pm on Sunday.
