Can it be a fairytale finish for Stylish Memphis?

It’s been 12 months since she was first past the post in a race.

And she may start at lucrative odds and possibly the third or even fourth harness racing favourite in betting tonight (Feb. 25).

Yet few would deny the fairytale finish to an amazing career for New Zealand mare Stylish Memphis (Bettor’s Delight), the sentimental favourite for tonight’s $200,000 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

This mighty mare has won the last two runnings of this race and also contested a Miracle Mile in 2021.

And by the way, she is also in foal to boom sire Captaintreacherous.

So victory tonight would almost certainly cap an amazing career and be the perfect way for one of our great mares of recent years to bow out of racing.

Blessed with the opportunity to get the victory, trainer-driver Jack Trainor says the gallant mare is ready to run the race of her life.

“Obviously it would be a fairytale and just to race at the top level for as long as she has is really something,” Trainor told National Trotguide on-line’s Mike Ko’cass.

“To win this race three times would definitely be the icing on the cake for her.

“Stylish Memphis was probably the first really good horse in my stable and it’s been a great ride with her.

“She’ll be a great mum too and I just hope I can get some of her foals somewhere down the line.”

Ironically, Trainor also provides one of the biggest dangers to Stylish Memphis tonight with Braeview Kelly, to be handled by premier reinsman Cameron Hart.

He also has the handy Punt Away (Josh Gallagher) in the race.

His Menangle Training Centre ‘stablemate’ Jason Grimson is also a threat with the speedy Tay Tay, drawn barrier one and to be handled by gun Victorian reinsman Greg Sugars.

“Look, I’m not 100 per cent certain but I would say this would probably be Stylish Memphis last run,” said Trainor.

“I’ll probably drive her the way she has done her best racing and just hope this race is run upside down.

“I’m really excited just to be a part of it and it should be a great race.

“All these mares are in great form. Certainly Braeview Kelly is in the best form I could have her in.

“And with Tough Tilly ($3 favourite) drawn in 10, she should be able to work forward as well and maybe get some good cover.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Court, for Harness Racing New South Wales