By MIKE DILLON
It is difficult to remember a major race in the past five years that has been more dictated to by the barrier draw than tomorrow's $25,000 Wedgewood Stud Breeders' Stakes at Ruakaka.
Four of five leading chances have drawn barriers 10, 12, 13 and 14 at the critical 1200m starting point.
Which makes the task of class filly Playful Fingers look daunting on paper as she has drawn No 12 and will have 57.5kg on her back.
The race will be decided by what can get to the inside running rail without using too much petrol.
Playful Fingers will need to apply plenty of brilliance to lead from so wide out, but she possesses that sort of speed and with a quick getaway can still dictate.
She looked fabulous winning the Champagne Stakes at Ellerslie in front, clocking 1.10.86 on an easy track and a similar gallop would take her close.
This race had not originally been on the board for Playful Fingers, but the filly did so well after a short break in the paddock that trainers Frank and Craig Ritchie stepped up her work.
"She's developed and is doing really well," said Frank Ritchie yesterday.
The best drawn of the chances is impressive debut Hastings winner St Therese, who will come out of gate No 7.
"She has done nothing wrong since Hastings and while it is a step up in class, she deserves to be there," said trainer Chris McNab.
"I don't know if she can head them off and lead and we won't be going out there with any specific game plan in mind.
"If she has any chink in her armour it's probably that the 1200m might just be a tad short for her because I think she's probably going to run over a bit more ground as a 3-year-old."
With Clear Advantage starting from No 14, On Vacance from No 10 and Wisp from No 13, it is impossible to know what configuration the field will have after 200m.
Clear Advantage is very smart and has won her only two starts from sitting on the speed. That will be more difficult this time, but her talent will take her a long way.
Paul O'Sullivan decided to withdraw Wisp after discussing the race with Melbourne owner Lloyd Williams.
"The No 13 barrier is just a bit tough first up and you run the risk of flattening her.
"We'll sit on her and she can run at Taupo on August 23."
Racing: Barrier draws against chances
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