Racing: Mary Magdalenefine show: Direen

Toni Direen
Toni Direen
Mary Magdalene's near-virtuous racing manners could play a big part in her breaking her maiden status at the Oamaru Jockey Club's meeting in Oamaru today.

The daughter of King's Chapel and Rough Crossing has had three starts, the best of them her last-start second at Wingatui on July 28.

Her regular pilot, Toni Direen, got her to the lead at Wingatui, only to get caught by Springwater with 150m to go.

''She came down with a virus the start before [finishing eighth at Wingatui on June 26] but then she came back well for that second,'' Direen said.

''Tomorrow, she can win it.''

The 4yr-old's barrier draw of 5 should not be a concern either way in the seven-horse 1400m maiden, with plenty of time for the field to sort themselves out before the turn.

''She's got heaps of gate speed,'' Direen said.

''Hopefully we'll be in behind them, but if she ends up in front, I'll have to rate her as best I can. She's good to ride and easy to handle.''

Nutinear (race 6) is the other Terry Kennedy-trained runner for Direen today and jumps back from rating 85 company in to his own rating 65 grade.

''He did well considering he was way out of his grade. He should go an all-right race and he's won here before.''

Direen's one ''dark horse'' is Preferred Flight, who makes her debut over 1200m.

The 3yr-old Raise The Flag filly has progressed quickly to make the races today.

''I really like her. She's going to be a horse that needs time but she should definitely give a bold run.

This is her first real prep but she's had jumpouts at the track with six other horses.''

The only drawback for a solid debut is her wider draw of barrier 11, which may influence Direen's decision about where to try to place her out of the barriers.

''She does have gate speed, but I will just have to wait and see what BJ [Brian] and Shane [Anderton, the trainers]say tomorrow.

''She'll definitely improve and get over more ground.''

La Croupier (race 3) made a vast improvement on her recent form when running third at Riccarton last week, and Direen is expecting that to continue today for trainer Centaine Spittles.

''She's been having some problems coming out of the gates [but] Centaine has done a good job with her.

''She'll improve from the Riccarton run she had.''

Direen has had just one ride on Desert Girl (race 4), in September last year, but teams up again with the Michael Daly-trained mare today.

''I've ridden her once before when she was a maiden but I remember her win at Wingatui [on June 26].

''I think she races back, but it's only a small field, so that shouldn't be a problem.''

Direen was pleased with her 21 wins last season, particularly as she was down to claiming 1kg for the whole term.

She would like to improve on last season's total, which would take her past 100 wins, and to add a group or listed win to her career record.

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