The One Thousand Guineas at Riccarton Park, Christchurch, tomorrow is arguably the most eagerly awaited clash of the season.
Spring Rain, Diamond Cashel, Singalong and Chimeara all warrant support for the race for three-year-olds.
They meet on neutral ground, three of them at the 1600m distance for the first time, while not to be discounted is Verlei.
Spring Rain had an eye-catching win in the Wellington Guineas over 1500m last month, which seemed to allay any fears she would struggle at middle distances after brilliant displays over sprint journeys.
She dashed clear early at Trentham and dictated the terms, holding on with style and grit.
It was enough to convince trainer Roger James, who has always believed she will stay 2000m.
"She won't have to be in front. She's versatile and can race off the pace," James said.
If she tried to ease the pace in the middle stages she was likely to face challenges.
"I can't see Spring Rain getting it easy in front," Singalong's trainer Stephen Autridge said yesterday.
"There's plenty of speed in the race and others will be looking to use it if the pace eases.
Singalong's long-term aim is the 2400m New Zealand Oaks in January.
While rider Noel Harris had her a long way back in the Lindauer Guineas at Auckland two starts back she doesn't need to get well off the pace, Autridge believes.
Singalong was impressive when winning the Desert Gold Stakes at Wellington last month. Her time was slower than Spring Rain's two days later but track conditions had an impact.
Like Spring Rain, Singalong has beaten the colts and geldings this season in the Hawkes Bay Guineas.
Chimeara has travelled well, according to caretaker trainer Laurie Laxon. Sheila Laxon, who has developed the filly this season, was due in Christchurch today.
"She's done well since [winning on October 23 at] Te Rapa. I don't know that I can say how much she's improved because she was pretty good that day," Laxon said.
Chimeara ran the 1600m at te Rapa on a testing track in dashing fashion, and she could topple the favourites here.
Paul O'Sullivan said that Diamond Cashel had also travelled well.
She will have Lance O'Sullivan up and the O'Sullivans have always been a potent force in Riccarton guineas races.
- NZPA
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