3 minute read

The Jewel in Sydney’s summer racing calendar greets punters on Saturday with the running of the Group 2 Villiers Stakes.

While there is an each way play in the feature event at Randwick on Saturday, Sei Stella shapes as being mighty hard to catch in the Class 3 Highway Handicap (1000m) to open proceedings.

The Not A Single Doubt mare resumes after a one start spring prep where she led throughout to win at this course, class and distance.

It was a clinical success by Sei Stella who put three lengths on her nearest rival with minimal fuss.

The Canberra-based mare scorched around the track on that occasion and appears well placed on Saturday.

Sei Stella rates well clear in this field and from barrier 1 is expected to adopt her typical frontrunning role.

The lone concern about Sei Stella is the speed map which certainly suggests she may have some pressure come across from her outside.

Despite that, the inclination is there is an opportunity to build a bank early in the Randwick program courtesy of the Matthew Dale-trained mare.

In the feature event, My Nordic Hero has good each way appeal as he looks to claim the Festival Stakes-Villiers Stakes double.

After being campaigned as a ten furlong horse last campaign, My Nordic Hero this prep has been kept fresh and in sprint/mile events.

That plan has reaped dividend with a second on resuming and a win in the Festival Stakes.

The son of Archipenko has a real sense of timing about him third up and out to the mile.

The Bowman/Waller combination has to always be respected and has finished in the money at each of his three prior outings on rain affected ground.

There looks to be solid early speed on up front, pace which My Nordic Hero can settle back and charge home late off.

Sydney Specials: Randwick – December 15

Best Of The Day: R1; #4 Sei Stella @ $3.20