By MIKE DILLON
The outcome of the Ellerslie races tomorrow, and Australia's rain, will determine the immediate racing future of smart mare Gypsy's Daughter.
Gypsy's Daughter, often underrated by New Zealand racegoers, looks on the verge of her best form and could end the next three months with a hefty bank balance.
But rain will decide where that might be.
"After this we'll look at a $A100,000 handicap at Rosehill on Golden Slipper day, but if it keeps raining in Sydney we'll stay at home for the Hawkes Bay Cup," said trainer Richard Dee yesterday.
The rain, which destroyed Gypsy's Daughter's chances in Queensland last winter, will not be a factor at Ellerslie tomorrow and on the coattails of a runaway Avondale win last start, she should take a lot of beating. She will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan and has only 3.5kg above the minimum weight.
Little Ana Zeel looked a definite improver when third in last weekend's Taranaki Cup and comes into this race nicely on 53kg.
Java Siang did well to be only one and a half lengths away in fourth place behind Big Hustler in the St Leger and while 2200m would suit her better than the 2000m here, she is a definite chance.
So is Spice Girl, who did remarkably well under weight-for-age conditions to finish only two lengths behind Showella in the group one Lion Red Stakes here two weeks ago. That effort, under 56.5kg, would win this race, but the mare has a tendency to mix her performances.
The Message's win on this track last start was so effortless he is almost guaranteed favouritism for the second leg of the TAB double, the Dave Green Furnishings.
With a sizable apprentice allowance to ease his 59.5kg topweight, he comes into this race even better placed than he was under 58kg two weeks ago, when he raced away in the closing stages to win by three and a quarter lengths. This will be The Message's last start before representing New Zealand in the $1.8 million Queen Elizabeth Cup in Hong Kong next month.
Windsor Phew is underrated and she looked ready to resume racing when she easily won a Waipa barrier trial 10 days ago.
Mr Emperor is very good when there is a slight cut in the track and even a well grassed surface tomorrow would suit him well. He has an irresistible finish when conditions suit.
Racing: Clear skies influence future
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