There is a very good reason Susie Maguire will be hard to beat at Alexandra Park tonight - she wouldn't be there otherwise.
The Canterbury juvenile filly has made the trip north for the $40,000 PGG Wrightson Graduette in the care of unofficial co-trainer Malcolm Shinn, who hasan outstanding record with youngsters he brings to Alexandra Park.
"I don't really see the point in bringing them unless they are up to it," said Shinn, who trains with his brother Malcolm.
The pair have established an especially impressive record with fillies in major Alexandra Park races, through horses like Nevermore, Cherubic, Dainty Nero and many more.
And Shinn rates his latest raider right up with the best he has brought north.
"She is pretty good and will be hard to beat," he admits.
Susie Maguire has had only two starts, winning the first at Addington before never getting clear in the second.
While that leaves her short on experience tonight, Shinn has no concerns with her gate speed or ability to handle the right-handed track, two crucial components for any youngster at Alexandra Park.
"She works well right-handed and gets off the gate good so we are not worried about a thing."
That being the case, Susie Maguire's biggest - and possibly only concern - is Lizzie Maguire.
The pair were both part of the same draft sold by Jubilee Farms at last year's yearling sales and so far there is little to split them.
Lizzie Maguire has looked the best juvenile filly in the north in limited racing so far and was impressive winning last start.
With gate speed and a front line draw she should be close to her co-favourite throughout so the winner could be decided by the smallest shred of racing luck.
While tonight's Alexandra Park meeting plays second fiddle to Addington's premier programme, the final race of the nine-race card looks a beauty, with five of the best 4-year-old mares in the country clashing.
The race is vitally important to Western Dream, who needs to start winning some stake money to qualify for the $200,000 Harness Jewels Final at Ashburton on June 2.
