Racing: Jess looks a chance

Stratford mare Dancing Jess is one of those horses whose latest form on paper can be discarded.

Look for a better effort than what you see in the form records when she races at Te Rapa today.

She has had only one start at Te Rapa - in the group two Cal Isuzu Stakes in mid-December.

As the winner of only four races she was badly off under the weight-for-age conditions yet, under 57kg, she finished a close second to Ekstreme.

Today, she tackles the $30,000 Presland Tocker Insurance 1600 with just 53.5kg on her back under handicap conditions.

After her Te Rapa second, Dancing Jess finished fourth, beaten three-quarters of a length behind La Etoile and Mill Duckie in the Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie - great form for a race like this.

Co-trainer Chris Bothwell is happy with the mare's progress.

"She got galloped on last start at Trentham. Her latest form looks poor, but since there's been a bit of rain she's bounced right back.

"I'm pleased Noel [Harris] is back on her because he understands her and gives her the bit of room she needs."

Run Like Al has to lump 58kg, but his record - three wins at six starts - at Te Rapa is worth noting.

He enjoyed the perfect run behind the speed in the Easter at Ellerslie and couldn't quite round the effort off, but is likely to be a better force this time.

Arlington has drawn wide but the 1600m start generally allows runners time to find the right spot.