By MIKE DILLON
Showella was last night declared a non-starter for the $100,000 Mudgway Stakes at Hastings on Saturday.
A combination of factors persuaded the Ritchie stable that the 1600m Craiglee Stakes in Melbourne on September 9 was a better option.
"She is always slow to settle into a new environment, which means it is a major logistical exercise to have her at her peak on Saturday while she's having her first look at Hastings," said co-trainer Frank Ritchie. "If we get her straight to Melbourne we only have to worry about getting her settled in once."
Another concern is what winning in such a red-hot field at weight-for-age would mean to Showella's handicap for the Caulfield and Melbourne cups.
Weights for both races are declared after the Mudgway and before the Craiglee.
Damien Oliver yesterday confirmed he would ride Showella in the Craiglee.
Ritchie believes the 1600m of the Craiglee will suit Showella more than the 1400m at Hastings.
"There are some sharp sorts in the Mudgway and it could mean she might have to have hard sprint pressure put on her in the latter stages of the race, whereas the 1600m will be a more even race."
Showella will be flown to Melbourne next Monday. Because she is notorious for taking time to settle into foreign stabling, Ritchie wants to give her an easy workload before the Craiglee.
That means a solid workout at Takanini and the possibility of an exibition gallop.
"I can then back off her in Melbourne to help her adjust and I can pick it up again after her first race."
Racing: Hastings date off for Showella
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