KEY POINTS:
Ardmore trainer Stephen McKee needs a fair crack at Insouciant today before conceding the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year crown.
The raging Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic favourite beat the McKee-trained Keepa Cruisin comfortably enough last time they met.
But the length and a half margin between the Keeper fillies in the 1000 Guineas in November is misleading.
While Michael Walker had Insouciant in full flight in the straight, a stalking Keepa Cruisin and Leith Innes were jammed up on the fence fighting for daylight.
When they finally worked clear, Walker had timed Insouciant's superior sprint to perfection and Keepa Cruisin had her line taken again, this time by Lovetrista, who lost second in the judicial room.
Seachange's half-sister gained compensation next time out with an impressive group one win in the Levin Classic (1600m), in a slick 1m 34.85s against the colts and geldings.
"Keepa Cruisin improved with the run, too, at Riccarton in her first try over 1600m and that showed when she went to Otaki," said McKee.
"This filly is really tough and she'll be right in the thick of it. If there's a little chink in the armour of the favourite [Insouciant] we'll be there to capitalise."
Another big plus for Keepa Cruisin today is that she's a proven right-handed performer and at Ellerslie where she has been placed from two starts.
The Mark Walker-trained Insouciant is yet to even start on raceday that way round.
All McKee needs now if Keepa Cruisin is a chance to close Insouciant's nine-point lead in the Filly of the Year chase is a decent pace.
Insouciant proved at Riccarton she has the superior burst of acceleration if they crawl early.
From her outside gate, Somethymesoon could be the answer to McKee's prayers.
Safely through today's task, McKee says Keepa Cruisin is also a chance to back up in the next Filly of the Year race, the group two Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.
Insouciant is bypassing that event in preference for the Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on January 26.
"If she runs up to her best she should run in the Royal Stakes while in top form."
If there is a concern for trainer Mark Walker today - and it's not one he lost any sleep over last night - it's Insouciant's raceday inexperience right-handed.
But in all her trackwork and trials that way round she's shown she's equally comfortable galloping off either leg.
He's also excited at the rate Insouciant keeps improving - and learning each time she steps out.
Her effort to take a comfortable trail and win the Eulogy Stakes (1600m) last time out at Awapuni proved it's going to take a special performance to beat her today.
"Mentally she's just getting better all the time," said Walker yesterday.
Filly of the Year rival trainer, Matamata's John Sargent is probably in McKee's corner today.
He concedes that another win by Insouciant could put the series out of reach for his sidelined star Lovetrista, who is currently in third place.
Lovetrista was slated to clash in the Eight Carat, but sustained a minor back strain during her 1200m tune-up at Te Rapa on December 15.
"She worked up good this morning [Monday], but I couldn't gallop her last week so we couldn't get her there," said Sargent. "We'll aim for the Desert Gold Stakes next."
