Racing: Good draw gives filly top Slipper chance

SYDNEY - The feelgood story of the Golden Slipper has continued with Chance Bye coming up with barrier three in Saturday's A$3.5 million showpiece at Rosehill.

The filly, who cost just A$15,000 as a yearling, has held off all comers in her three-start career, thrusting knockabout trainer Michael Tubman into the limelight.

Chance Bye will be ridden by Kathy O'Hara, who was taking everything in her stride as Tubman cut a nervous figure at Tuesday's barrier draw as part-owner Jack Knight chose a miniature slipper with a number on the bottom.

When he saw the number was three, Tubman's trademark smile returned but he admitted he was still nervous about the race.

"I get nervous before every race but I'll take a couple of Valium as I normally do," Tubman said on Tuesday.

"Kathy came down to ride her at Kembla Grange this morning and the filly worked really well. The barrier is good, everything is good."

Unbeaten Queensland filly Military Rose remains favourite after drawing eight, with trainer Gillian Heinrich relaxed about the occasion.

"She's happy in herself and still maintaining her weight. It's the same as it was on Magic Millions day which is a great thing for a 2-year-old.

"She has taken everything in her stride and is very relaxed."

Not quite as happy and relaxed was David Hayes, who drew the outside gate 15 for Shaaheq.

Hayes has just returned from Dubai, where Eagle Falls ran fifth in the Golden Shaheen at Saturday's World Cup meeting.

"It's a bit disappointing and it's a bit of a concern how many on-pace runners are winning on the track," he said.

"Her pattern is to get back and come home fast."

- AAP