KEY POINTS:
Remarkably, no one seems concerned about yesterday's horror barrier draw for the headline acts in the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes.
Seachange's No 13 gate, coupled with Princess Coup (12) and Sir Slick (11) had the potential to make everyone run and hide under the bed.
There has not been a flicker of nerves, despite racing for double the stakemoney ever offered in New Zealand.
Bruce Herd, who rides Sir Slick, even welcomed the news.
The Palmerston North jockey was so unconcerned he hadn't even bothered to check the barrier draw one hour after it was posted on the internet.
The first he heard of it was when contacted by the Herald.
"No real problems," he said casually. "I'd rather he was out there than drawn No 4."
Everyone assumed Sir Slick would lead the Kelt field up - and he may well do that - but Herd does not have his game plan set in concrete.
"He showed last year he doesn't have to lead. He can take a trail and if the barrier draw dictates us that way, I won't be too worried."
Rick Williams, ownership manager for Seachange, was equally relaxed.
"I'm not terribly bothered, actually. She has such good tactical speed she can always get herself out of trouble."
Williams sees Sir Slick crossing over quickly to lead, giving Seachange a good drag across the front of the field.
"There should be a bit of pace on and the field should open up, so she'll get one off somewhere in the field."
Being a back runner, Princess Coup should not be too badly affected by the draw.
Other back runners Veloce Bella, Railings and Splashing Out drew the inside three gates.
Gaze (4) and Magic Cape (5) look the best placed to take advantage of their positions.
Mandela and visiting Hong Kong-based rider Glen Boss will come out of gate 7.
The owners of Mandela have put on a private plane for Boss when he flys in from Hong Kong tomorrow.
He will be flown back to Auckland after the Kelt and leave for Hong Kong on a midnight flight on Saturday to allow him to ride at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The Hastings track, dead and 3.1 on Tuesday, was back to 2.4 yesterday.
Gale force winds in Hawkes Bay continued the drying yesterday.
Local trainer Patrick Campbell said most were hoping for the forecast showers for today.
"What no one wants to see is the wind creating a hard crust. A little bit of rain would be good."
TAB bookmakers did not react violently to the draw, easing Seachange from $2.20 to $2.40.
Princess Coup is at a tight $3.80.
13 Not Unlucky, Says Bookie
TAB head bookmaker Paul Lally doesn't believe 13 will be unlucky for mighty mare Seachange in Saturday's Kelt Stakes.
"I think Sir Slick will go straight to the lead and Seachange might get a good run across with him. We think Sir Slick can help her get there," he said.
The TAB has a huge liability on the mare, who is attempting to secure the Hawkes Bay triple crown after group one wins in the Mudgway Stakes and Stoney Bridge Stakes.
She was still rated a $2.30 chance last night.
Princess Coup, a fast-finishing third in the Stoney Bridge, is second favourite at $3.80, her price coming in after a $20,000 bet on her earlier this week at $5.
Lally pushed Sir Slick and Mandela out $1 each to $11 and $10, respectively.
The big mover after the draw was the Roger James-trained Gaze, trimmed into $15 from $18.
"We brought her in because she has got a good draw (4) and should get a good run from there," Lally said.
Draw and latest TAB fixed odds market: Seachange (13) $2.30; Princess Coup (12) $3.80; Mandela (7) $10; Sir Slick (11) $11; Gaze (4) $15; Magic Cape (5) $16; Veloce Bella (1) $17; J'Adane (10) $21; The Pooka (9) $31; Railings (2), Splashing Out (3), Porotene Gem (6) $51; Ombre Rose (14) $61; Far Away Places (8) $101.
- NZPA
