By MIKE DILLON
Four days ago Ross Taylor was looking for a little rain to be reasonably confident of underrated mare Fifty Fifty going close in Saturday's $40,000 Westernbay Finance Tauranga Classic.
So much rain arrived he lost his confidence and now he's terrified of rain for his class filly Star Satire in Wednesday's $100,000 Auto Auctions weight-for-age at Trentham.
No one can remember times at Tauranga as slow as those created by the deluge of rain for Saturday's meeting.
The 1.51.05 for 1600m was Trentham at its mid-winter worst.
Taylor admits he was confident enough about Fifty Fifty's chances on Friday to have a bit of a bet, but had gone to pieces when he saw how bad the track was.
"Someone asked me at the races if I was confident and I said: "How could you be throwing them into a sea like that."
Not only does Taylor have to worry about keeping Trentham dry for Wednesday's meeting, Star Satire has to overcome a tricky No13 barrier draw in the 14-horse line-up for the group one event.
"We're going to have to rely on a bit of luck. Hopefully, there will be real pace on and the field will open up and she can come over and slide in somewhere."
The presence of fellow 3-year-olds Camacho and Spring Rain in the line-up should ensure a hot pace early. Spring Rain, a brilliant beginner, has drawn No1 barrier, and Camacho is not much worse off in No3.
Taylor is delighted with the way Star Satire has trained on since being freshened following the Auckland Cup carnival.
"She trialled huge at Cambridge on Thursday and does not need any more serious work. She's pretty ready for this."
Regular rider Leith Innes is unable to ride as light as 51.5kg and Star Satire will be ridden for the first time by Mark Du Plessis.
South Islander Fritz will almost certainly start favourite in the Auto Auctions after chasing Sunline home over the same distance at Te Rapa last week.
Taylor has had Fifty Fifty for only the last five of her 39 race appearances, which include a highly impressive PQ win on Counties Cup day in November.
"She was dead stiff not to win when she finished fifth behind Vegas at Avondale last start," said Taylor.
While the mare requires little racing to maintain fitness levels, Taylor says she is as tough as teak.
"She has to be because that was a tough race for her in those conditions and she's as bright as anything today," he said yesterday.
In shocking conditions Fifty Fifty literally ground her way to the lead in the home straight to outgrit Atta Glance for Mark Sweeney.
"There are a ton of opportunities for her now," said Taylor.
"She could run in the Breeders Stakes at Te Aroha on the 17th of March or there is the Thompson Handicap the same day at Otaki.
"Then there is the Owens race here at Tauranga and the Manawatu Breeders, the Easter at Ellerslie and the Awapuni Gold Cup then the Cuddle Stakes."
Soap Opera is one you could forget even ran at Tauranga. She will get her winning turn eventually.
Racing: Rain starts trainer's nerves jumping
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