3 minute read
Champion Tasmanian mare Mystic Journey looks set to break back into the winner’s circle in the weight-for-age The Mills Thomas Lyons (1400m) the race she won before ascending on Melbourne two years ago to go on and win the Group 1 Australian Guineas and inaugural $5 million All-Star Mile.
In Brief
- Betty was vulnerable first-up.
- Back to 1400m will suit star mare.
- Blaze Forth and Newhart have genuine claims.
Affectionally known as Betty, Mystic Journey had her colours lowered first-up in the weight-for-age Ladbrokes Stakes over 1200m in Launceston three weeks ago but stepping up to 1400m and with a run under her belt the Adam Trinder -trained mare should be ready to win.
Trinder says the mare has come along nicely since her first-up assignment.
She was beaten by Blaze Forth last start and he again looms as a danger as Mystic Journey has drawn the inside barrier in the field of eight and history tells us the mare objects to racing inside other horses.
That was clearly evidenced in the Group 1 Empire Rose (1600m) when slotted straight onto the rails from a wide barrier by Kerrin McEvoy and it was clear the mare was uncomfortable cluttered up back in the field.
Mystic Journey went to the line in the Empire Rose under a hold without ever getting the chance to run on.
But a smaller field of eight should allow rider Luke Currie the chance to find his way clear of the ruck before they reach the home turn.
Blaze Forth has never raced better and his trainer Joh Blacker says the gelding has worked brilliantly since his Ladbrokes Stakes win.
Sarah Cotton's talented middle distance horse Dark Wanderer looks the likely leader and if rider Siggy Carr can steal a couple of cheap sectionals, the gelding could cause an upset at odds.
Ladbrokes Devonport Cup winner Newhart could also win without surprising as he was great winning first-up in Launceston over 1400m before going on to win his second Devonport Cup a month ago.
