Racing: Miss Potential in fine fettle for Myer

Bill Borrie and Reese Jones believe lightning can strike twice in the one spot.

And they're hoping that galloping machine Miss Potential feels the same. The high quality New Zealand mare scored a remarkable victory over champion Australian filly Alinghi in the A$500,00 Nestle Classic on Derby Day at Flemington a year ago.

Two things have changed, the name of the race this time is the Myer Classic and Reese Jones, suspended last year and replaced by Glen Boss, is back in the saddle.

Borrie and Jones are very aware that the Miss Potential who walks into the Flemington birdcage this afternoon is a lot fitter than the one who paraded on Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley last week.

Miss Potential lost vital work when mated with international stallion Red Ransom in Australia and her condition gave out in the closing stages last week.

"She hit the wall, but still did extremely well to finish third," said Jones. "She's a lot better horse now."

Borrie is confident that will be reflected in her demeanour.

"She's a lot more settled and that will help her relax during the race."

While we don't make too much of a splash overall on Derby Day this afternoon, the Myer has a huge New Zealand feel to it.

New Zealand Horse Of The Year Calveen is running and is strongly fancied to figure under former Kiwi jockey Greg Childs.

Class act of last season Justa Tad has been ridden by Australian jockeys through a mixed Victorian campaign, but is re-united with her "real" partner, Vinny Colgan.

The Myer favourite is the John Hawke's-trained Shania Dane.

There are a couple of solid bets at Avondale today, Crusoe (No3, R9) looks a good thing even though racing the older horses and Kristov (No2 R7) is going to do a great job even under 58.5kg.

If you are taking trifectas in Crusoe's race - and you pretty much have to if you want a decent collect - don't discard Gold Memba (No4). He's a lot better than the recent form looks on paper.

And don't ignore Filey (No5) in Kristov's race.

Rowdy Yates (No4, R10) and Daddy Knows Best (No2) make appeal in the last as does the 3-year-old Tom Tom Cat (No3).

Rowdy Yates can hit the line strongly and this race looks set up for that type of effort. Daddy Knows Best looked very smart in only a handful of starts last campaign.