Driver David Butcher believes Stylish Memphis can win tonight’s $100,000 Queen Of Hearts at Alexandra Park, but not in the manner many harness racing pundits would expect.
Butcher will partner the multiple Group 1-winning mare for only the second time in Auckland’s richest mares pace of the year, but liked how she felt when storming into third in the lead-up race last Friday.
Stylish Memphis is racing in foal so opportunities to embellish her record are running out, and if she races up to the form that has seen her earn spots in the Miracle Mile and The Race, she would be the one to beat tonight.
Last Friday, she settled back from an outside draw as tonight’s favourite Manhattan led and won and many expect Manhattan to attempt those tactics again. Butcher isn’t so sure.
“If we can get across to the lead I will be trying to stay there,” says Butcher. “The shortest way home is always the markers and there is no point conceding the lead if you don’t have to. She was very good last week and she will be better again against the marker pegs so I am sure she can win.”