Racing: Draw against tough runner

Richard Yuill wants his filly Echo Maid ridden for luck in the $50,000 Highview Stakes at Hastings tomorrow.

And, on the run of averages, she just might get it.

Echo Maid's luck could not possibly be as bad as it was when beaten into second behind Boudi Woudi at Wanganui last start. She had sat three wide throughout and was beaten only one length.

Echo Maid is nothing if not tough. She was entitled to drop right out of the Wanganui race after the run she tolerated, but kept fighting right to the line.

She is even worse off coming out of barrier No 11 in what should be a pretty slick race.

"What can you do," said Yuill. "Nothing. Barrier draws are barrier draws and you take it on the chin and do your best."

Echo Maid has been ridden recently by Matthew Williamson, who will be replaced this time by Lisa Cropp.

Williamson advised Richard Yuill he would be riding instead at Paeroa, then changed his mind, but by that time Yuill had engaged Cropp.

Yuill does not want to see Echo Maid rushed forward and caught wide into the first bend.

"The only thing you can do is drop back and ride for luck. If the runs come, they come and if they don't, well . . ."

Yuill is happy with Echo Maid's condition since her hard Wanganui run.

"She's as good as she's ever been."

Fresh runner Vegas Showgirl has drawn out with Echo Maid at No 10, but has enough natural speed to go forward if her connections take that option.

She looked enormous winning the New Zealand Bloodstock Stakes at Avondale on Anzac Day and is likely to go a big race fresh.