3 minute read
Consistent filly tops ratings in Listed John Musker Stakes.
Martyn Meade is praying the rain stays away from Yarmouth to give Technique the best possible chance of bagging Listed honours in the EBF Stallions John Musker Fillies' Stakes.
Narrowly beaten in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom on her three-year-old debut, the daughter of Mastercraftsman has been set some stiff tasks this summer without managing to get her head in front.
While she was unable to land a telling blow in the Oaks in early June, Technique was then denied only narrowly by Zeyaadah in the Group Three Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle, before finishing a very creditable fourth in the Group One Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.
Technique was once again beaten a head on her latest Listed outing in Salisbury's Upavon Fillies' Stakes, and Meade feels Wednesday's contest represents a good opportunity for her to get back on the winning trail – provided conditions are not too testing.
"The only disappointing thing is we just have to watch the ground – she wouldn't want it going soft," said the Manton handler.
"If the ground is good then I think she's got every chance. If it pours down overnight then that isn't going to suit her – but otherwise it's all systems go, and it would be nice to get her back on track.
"Hopefully, this could be her day if everything goes well for her."
Technique is the highest-rated of 12 fillies declared for the 10-furlong contest.
The William Haggas-trained Sweet Believer steps up in class after scoring on three of her five starts this season, while dual winner Brunnera is a leading contender for Hugo Palmer.
The Newmarket trainer feels the Dubawi filly is better than she showed when a close-up fourth in last month's Galtres Stakes at York.
He said: "She ran really well at York, and I think she was actually in season.
"I don't think it affected her finishing position, but she's always travelled very strongly over a mile and a quarter and she didn't travel at all strongly over a mile and a half in the Galtres – which I thought was a bit odd.
"Obviously we're coming back in trip, and she improved 10lb for stepping up in trip last time, so that's got to be a question mark.
"But there aren't very many opportunities for staying fillies, so we're doing our best."
