Riccarton speedster Miss Federer heads a strong line-up of fillies that outnumbers the colts and geldings 10 to three in tomorrow’s listed Gore Guineas.
The race is the first leg of the triple crown of southern guineas races.
The Gore Guineas, run over 1355m, has come along at the perfect time for the best-performed of those fillies — Miss Federer — to extend her distance range.
The Andrew Carston-trained 3yr-old will attempt to win her first race past 1200m.
Just weeks ago, Carston did not have high hopes that Miss Federer would be in a position to do that. But a smart effort over 1400m during the New Zealand Cup Carnival changed the trainer’s thinking.
"I will be honest. Before her last run I was a bit unsure," Carston said.
"But after her last run at Riccarton she ran out a strong 1400m."
"That is why we made the decision to target this race."
Miss Federer was freshened after New Zealand Cup week. Her progress since returning to work could not have been much better.
"Everything has gone 100% to plan...
"It looks like the track is going to be firm, so I am as happy with her as I can be."
"She had 10 days off after cup week; she had an exhibition gallop at Timaru with her stablemate Sanctify.
"Both worked well and have come through the gallop well and have continued to improve, so I am really happy with her."
Sanctify, who holds a New Zealand Oaks nomination, impressed when winning first up at Oamaru before producing a respectable fifth behind Savvy Lad and Miss Federer in her next start at Riccarton.
"She is a filly I really like and always have," Carston said.
"She has taken a bit of time physically and mentally.
"Her work is strong – she does a lot of work with Miss Federer.
"I do think 1355m is probably short of her best, but she is a filly to follow going forward."
Miss Federer and Sanctify are rated at opposite ends of betting by bookmakers. Miss Federer opened the $2.90 favourite for tomorrow’s feature, ahead of Sanctify who was at $21.
Fillies occupy the top three spots in the race market.
Burgundy Rose has been rated the second-favourite at $4.20.
The Jamie Richards-trained filly powered away from her rivals to score an impressive win at Wingatui on Boxing Day.
All About Magic has been rated the $9.50 third-favourite.
The Michael and Matthew Pitman trained filly ran second at Waikouaiti on New Year’s Day to her speedy 2yr-old stablemate, Lovebug, in her first race since contesting the New Zealand One Thousand and Two Thousand Guineas races.
