By MICHAEL GUERIN
Ted Demmler admits Tupelo Rose's rivals are closing the gap - but not fast enough to beat her at Alexandra Park tonight.
The glamour filly returns to New Zealand for tonight's Hydroflow heat after a successful Australian campaign, including a last-start win in the Victoria Oaks.
But that victory left some critics suggesting Tupelo Rose may be feeling the effects of a hard season.
Last season and for most of this term Tupelo Rose has played with her filly rivals but she was fairly beaten by Dancingonmoonlight in the NSW Oaks before having to fight hard to hold out her Victoria Oaks rivals last start.
"I have no doubt the other fillies are closing the gap on her," said champion Victorian trainer-driver Demmler yesterday.
"They are getting older and stronger and maybe now they can run the times she can. But she still has something special."
Demmler says Tupelo Rose had a few minor problems before the Victoria Oaks but she has since freshened well and was ready to maintain her excellent Alexandra Park record tonight.
"She has come through the trip well and she will be the one they have to beat."
Tupelo Rose holds the national record for tonight's 1700m distance, not just for a filly but any pacer.
While she has to overcome a widish draw tonight she does not meet the north's best two fillies - Dan- cingonmoonlight and Shivna - so she should win.
And she looks to be one of two anchors in the $50,000 Pick Six, the other being exciting 4-year-old Classic Turbo.
His class should overcome the fact he hasn't raced over the 3200m distance or from a standing start.
Racing: Gap closing but Rose still the best
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