When you're racing for A$200,000 total stake the place money is still top class and that's all New Zealand's Megablast might be running for in tomorrow's P.J. O'Shea Stakes in Queensland.
The talented grey made a reasonably good Australian debut when sixth at Doomben's Chairman's on May 12 on a track a bit better in condition than he prefers. He strikes a much wetter this time with the day's racing being — mercifully — transferred from Doomben to the Sunshine Coast track at Caloundra.
Fine weather is predicted for the area for today and tomorrow, but the track has already had a soaking and was yesterday rated at a heavy 10. That is sure to improve, but it's doubtful it can get back to anything like firmish.
That is going to suit the Chris Waller-trained Egg Tart perfectly. It took a while for the mare to race herself into form this preparation, but her close second to stablemate Comin' Through in the Doomben Cup showed she has got there and then some. The Doomben Cup effort was right up to Australian group one form and that puts Egg Tart up and beyond the opposition this time.
Additionally, Egg Tart loves a track affected by rain. The Doomben Cup footing was firm and she has won all three of her starts on the heavy.