There is a good reason Our Alley Cat can win the $150,000 Westbury Classic at Ellerslie tomorrow: Levante isn't there.
That is how jockey Sam Weatherley is viewing his chances with the mare, one of his key rides on a huge night for the young man as his career moves to the next phase.
Weatherley is going from strength to strength as a jockey, coming off winning the Auckland Guineas with Dark Destroyer and Rich Hill Mile with Mali Ston at Ellerslie on New Year's Day, the sort of performances that get you noticed.
Noticed enough to get rides for Te Akau in both $1 million races tomorrow night, with Fellini in the Million and Pin Me Up in the Classic Mile.
"I am thrilled to get on both of them and Fellini being one of the favourites is a real privilege for me. And I think he has to be a chance," says Weatherley.