If there is to be any chance of a stable success on jewels day, it will most likely have been in the 4yr old Diamond for the mares. Miss Daisy and Dalness Xchange are two quality mares and while needing that ounce of luck on the big day, can get a major slice of the prize.
Miss Daisy has always been a notch below the very best mares, but her stocks have increased steadily this season as some of the real class mares of her age – especially The Orange Agent and Fight For Glory – have been resigned to the sideline through injury and retirement.
In her lead-up race last week at Alexandra Park she was stunning in fillies and mares company, blasting the gate from a wide draw and then being untroubled to lead throughout.
While this week's race is a major step up, from her good draw she will get all favours with options to either stay in front, or to hand up to one of the more favoured brigade. She is sure to be ultra competitive here.
Stablemate Dalness Xchange has done very well this season and has a Group One placing in top mares company at Addington in her form four starts ago. She rarely runs a bad race and if she can get forward early from an awkward draw, she would be far from a forlorn hope for driver Colin De Filippi.
Eyrish Mist is a newcomer to the stable, transferred this week by owner Ricky Allen. He contests the 2yr old Ruby for the trotters (Race Two) and from his unruly barrier, will need mistakes by others and be on his very best behaviour. While he shows a lot of promise he may be a season away from his best.
Billy Badger (Race Six) contests the 2yr old Emerald for the colts and geldings. From his wide second line draw, he will need every bit of luck for driver Dexter Dunn and deserves to be at long odds.
The final two stable runners on the day are Little Rascal and Robbie Burns in the 4yr old Emerald. Both horses are in form, but have had contrasting luck with the draw. Little Rascal from two looks sure to go forward early.
He may end up in a good spot and could be a nice place hope at odds. Robbie Burns has had no luck at all drawing wide on the second line. He will rely on a cracking pace up front and a nice drag into it to have any chance. He too is a place hope.
Robert Dunn Trotting Stables