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Outsider barrier will not deter Zaniah for tomorrow

3 minute read

Don’t be put off by Zaniah’s outside barrier in tomorrow’s Group 3 Healy Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

Picture: @eaglefarmracecourse

That's the opinion of stable spokesman Lucas Miller, who considers the mare is Lees Racing's best chance tomorrow.

And she's at juicy odds; $16 currently with TAB.com.au, even after topweight Baller's scratching.

At her last start, Zaniah was runner-up to Baller in the Group 2 Moreton Cup over the Healy course on June 5.

"Zaniah  is going really well, and importantly handles Eagle Farm well," Miller said this morning.

"She gets back in her races anyway, so the draw is not the disadvantage it might seem.

"There should be enough speed and, provided she can get cover, is going to be hard to hold out at the finish."

Andrew Mallyon rides Zaniah, who unfurled a booming finish from last at the 400m to win the Listed Ascot Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm in April.

She then ran a close fourth to Varda in the Listed Chief De Beers (1110m) on the tighter Doomben circuit on May 22 when forced to race wide throughout.

The stable has three Eagle Farm representatives and is relying on the "girls"; Redoute's Image and Wild Sheila being the others.

Craig Williams rides his recent Sunshine Coast winner Redoute's Image in the 3YO Fillies Handicap (1200m), and Larry Cassidy again partners his also recent Sunshine Coast winner Wild Sheila in the Listed Tattersall's Gold Crown (2137m).

"Craig has ridden Redoute's Image a couple of times now, and has got to know her well," Miller said.

"He gave her a great ride for an easy win last start, and she has a soft gate tomorrow to help counter the weight (59kg).

"There doesn't appear to be a lot of depth in the race, and she should be hard to beat.

"Kris has taken the softer option with Wild Sheila, keeping her against her own sex rather than take on the open company stayers in the Tattersall's Cup (2400m).

"She has won two of her last three starts and, though facing an obvious rise in class, deserves her chance to gain some black type.

"The draw hasn't been kind, and Larry is going to have to try to get some cover on her."

Wild Sheila, a five-year-old daughter of Animal Kingdom, beat subsequent Warwick Farm "winner" Admit It (disqualified because of a weight irregularity), in a Benchmark 68 Handicap (1885m) on her home track on May 1.

Two starts later, with Cassidy aboard, she won a Benchmark 70 Handicap (2200m) on soft ground at the Sunshine Coast on June 9.

 


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