3 minute read
Hawkesbury trainer Garry Frazer says his talented youngster Sheer Style doesn't have to lead to win tomorrow's $200,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) at Wyong.
Sheer Style has led in each of her three starts to date (for a win and two seconds), but her trainer is adamant the Snitzel filly is not simply a speed machine.
"She has more scope to her than that," Frazer said today. "In fact, I'm confident you won't see the best from her until she is ridden off the pace."
Which is why Frazer views the barrier draw for tomorrow's feature as a definite advantage - irrespective of the small field.
Only seven horses will contest the Wyong event - and Sheer Style, with substitute rider Blake Shinn aboard, has drawn barrier two.
"That's perfect," Frazer said. "It gives us a couple of options; we can either lead or sit in behind.
"Gai Waterhouse's filly Spirit Of Joy goes pretty quick also; she led at her only start at Rosehill last month.
"If they're keen to lead on her, I'll have no problem about Blake taking a sit on my filly."
Sheer Style, a $255,000 Magic Millions purchase, has earned $153,500 so far. Tomorrow's $122,000 first prize would lift her prizemoney beyond her initial cost.
Frazer said Sheer Style had travelled home well and trained on nicely since winning the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic (1000m) at Ballarat on November 24 on a heavy track.
"There's still a bit of improvement left in the tank," he said.
"I haven't screwed her down fully as the big race is still a few weeks away."
The "big race" Frazer is referring to is the $2m Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 11.
Frazer chose Shinn to deputise tomorrow for Sheer Style's regular rider Jason Collett, currently on the suspended list.
"Blake is a top-class rider. He came out to Hawkesbury on Saturday morning and rode her in a gallop and was fairly impressed."
Sheer Style is one of three gear changes stewards have approved for Wyong. Frazer is putting winkers on his filly, whilst Spirit Of Joy races without blinkers but in a cross over nose band for the first time.
Rival trainer Kris Lees has decided to race his filly Datable in blinkers.
