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Wide gate no concern for in-form mare at Randwick.
A wide barrier holds no fears for Greg Hickman as Our Bellagio Miss attempts to record back-to-back wins at Randwick.
The mare claimed the first edition of the Midway Handicap at Rosehill two weeks ago and will step out in Saturday's Heineken Handicap (1000m) where she will jump from barrier nine after the scratchings.
"She's done really well and her work was good on Tuesday," Hickman said.
"I don't think the barrier is going to be a problem because I think she likes a bit of air around her.
"There will be plenty of pace on and later in the day, probably the best part of the track will be out wide."
The four-year-old daughter of durable sire Casino Prince has won five of her 19 starts but has had issues in the past with tying up, which is similar to muscle cramps in humans.
However, careful monitoring and management have helped the trainer get on top of the problem and he is confident she is set for a fruitful campaign.
"It all seems to relate around wet weather. She likes the wet weather but it doesn't do her blood much good," Hickman said.
"But I've been very mindful of it her last couple of times in and kept a close eye on it.
"Tommy (Berry) will give her a good ride and her blood is as good as last time she went around, so if we can keep that between now and Saturday, I'm expecting her to run a good race."
Our Bellagio Miss is on the third line of TAB fixed odds betting at $6, behind only $4.40 favourite The Bopper and former Hong Kong galloper I Am Power.
