3 minute read

Rebellious Miss has earned a shot at the Highway Handicap at Randwick.

Braidwood trainer Aaron Clarke is selective when it comes to bringing a horse to town, so when he does make the trip, his runners are invariably competitive. 

He is hoping that theme can continue on Saturday with in-form mare Rebellious Miss, who is chasing a hat-trick of wins in the TAB Highway Handicap (1800m). 

"We only go if they're right and we think they're good enough," Clarke said. 

"The ones we've taken there have all gone like we thought they'd go, so hopefully she can do the same." 

A daughter of 2008 Victoria Derby winner Rebel Raider, Rebellious Miss has appreciated a distance rise at her past two starts to follow a thumping 6-3/4 length win at Gundagai with another strong performance at Nowra. 

It is the first time Clarke has been able to step her up to a suitable journey after a series of setbacks hindered her momentum as a younger horse. 

"Early on we thought she was going to be handy, she just had little hiccups all the time, like going in the wind," Clarke said. 

"Every time we were getting her up in distance, something would go wrong. 

"She's always shown she's got ability, it's just been a matter of trying to get her up to that distance where she can do it and be fit enough." 

Hugh Bowman takes the ride on Rebellious Miss, who has drawn well in barrier six. 

While her past two wins have been on heavy tracks, Clarke expects her to be just as competitive on dry ground. 

The mare was a $31 chance with TAB fixed odds on Thursday with the Keith Dryden-trained Dream Runner a $2.50 favourite.