Racing: Better luck for mare

The biggest tip all Easter weekend was that classy mare Mistrale could upset the favourites in the $150,000 Easter Handicap.

It didn't eventuate, but it was not Mistrale's fault, she was one of the worst affected by the stockcar-like shuffling of runners early in the home straight, an incident which resulted in form jockey Hayden Tinsley being suspended.

Mistrale ended up ninth, but would have been closer. She gets her chance for better luck in the more suitable 2000m $50,000 Hooker Pacific Taranaki Cup tomorrow.

Trainer Murray Baker admitted he was more than hopeful Mistrale could figure in last week's group one feature.

"She goes a nice mile fresh. She just never got a chance to prove herself."

Baker has Mistrale on trial for a possible trip to the Queensland winter carnival.

"I haven't decided what I'd aim her at, but there are plenty of options."

Baker returned from Sydney yesterday after watching Tusker's unlucky effort for seventh in the AJC Oaks on Wednesday.

"She knuckled over coming out of the gates and the jockey had to ride for luck along the rails rather than go around the field.

"The problem was that the footing on the inside was sticky after the rain and she needs it better than that."

Tusker is heading home for a spell.

Fellow Waikato mare Showgirl is one of the toughest Mistrale will have to beat.

Showgirl is unbeaten in two starts since transferring to John Sargent's Matamata stable, both over 1600m.

She is a dour staying type and did well to score under Scott Seamer at Ellerslie last start when definitely looking for more distance than 1600m.

The 2000m here will be much more to her liking.