By MIKE DILLON
Bluebird The Word looks an enormous chance to win today's $100,000 Armacup Queen Elizabeth Handicap, but he has a problem - his record suggests he hates Ellerslie.
In 11 starts there he has recorded only two minor placings.
Is that because he simply has not been in his best form at Ellerslie, or because he really does not like the place?
Probably the former.
"I can't work it out," admits co-trainer Frank Ritchie.
"He doesn't seem to have a problem going right-handed because his record at Counties is very good and that's the same way round."
The two placings have not been bad ones - the New Zealand Derby and more recently second to Rebel at weight-for-age over 1600m, which is too short for him.
There is no doubt Bluebird The Word is currently in the best form of his career.
He probably should have won the Counties Cup, was three wide in the Avondale Cup and was beaten less than one length, then walked away with the Waikato Cup at Te Rapa last week.
That looks a lot better than at any of the previous 11 starts the horse has had at Ellerslie.
"Also," says Ritchie, "I remember old Grey Way when he used to some to Ellerslie.
"He hated the right-handed way to start with, then as he got older he ended up winning that memorable Easter Handicap.
"I might be clutching at straws here, but it could be a factor.
"The key to the race is the barrier draw.
"Last week he had to work hard to get over from a wide gate, but he couldn't afford to do that this time with such a clear topweight and he's been lucky enough to draw nicely."
Bluebird The Word has plenty of natural pace and Grant Cooksley should find him the perfect trip.
No Alimony's Avondale Cup seventh was a lot better than it reads on paper.
She had to drop back from an outside barrier and was forced over a lot of extra ground making her run on the home bend.
She was only two lengths from winner She's A Meanie and from a much more favourable draw this time can go close.
Racing: No better time than now to change record
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