Top filly due a change of luck

16 January 2015

O’Marilyn’s racing fortunes have nosedived after a flying opening to her three-year-old preparation, but there’s no cause for panic in the camp.

The Group One-winning filly started her classic campaign with dominant Group Three victories in the Gold Trail Stakes and the Sarten Memorial before she headed south for the Gr.1 NZ 1000 Guineas.

O’Marilyn was the beaten favourite on an off track and subsequently missed a run in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes with a minor leg injury.

She recovered to take her place in the Gr.1 Railway Stakes on New Year’s Day, but was unplaced under regular rider Sam Spratt, although only two and a-half lengths off the winner In Style.

“In hindsight, she may have been better staying in front rather than giving away the lead and getting boxed in,” trainer Stephen McKee said.

“I told Sam not to lead and the filly got a bit fierce and over-raced, but she came through the run with no problems.

“I’ve pulled her out of the Telegraph and she could possibly go for the Desert Gold Stakes, otherwise we’ll wait for the autumn.

“Since going to Riccarton it’s all gone pear-shaped really, but she will come back well.”

McKee will still have two significant runners at Trentham this Saturday with Prince Mambo to contest the Gr.1 AIB Group Insurance Levin Classic and Moozoon in the Listed Tui Anniversary Handicap.

Third in the Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas, Prince Mambo turned in an encouraging last-start effort for fifth at Tauranga.

“I was rapt with his run against the open horses,” McKee said. “He got home nicely and going left-handed over the mile at Trentham will suit him.”

Moozoon was six weeks between runs when she finished fourth in the same Tauranga sprint.

“She was coming off a break and was pushed four wide,” McKee said. “She’s close to her best again.” – NZ Racing Desk.

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