KEY POINTS:
A fast pace and a dose of good luck are the ingredients Craig Williams is looking for after his star mare Miss Finland drew barrier one in Saturday's A$3 million ($3.6 million) Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
The leading jockey was at the Valley for yesterday's barrier draw after which Miss Finland drifted from $3.30 but maintained favouritism at $4 with national bookmakers Betstar.
She later firmed to $3.60.
"I always like barrier one. I won't have to worry about getting in as she's already there, I just need luck to get a clear run from the 800 metres," Williams said.
There has been much conjuncture about Miss Finland having a flat spot during her past two starts when runner-up to Rubiscent in the group one Underwood Stakes (1800m) and second to Maldivian in the Yalumba Stakes (2000m), both at Caulfield.
"They were tempo-related, where they went slow in the middle stages and the winner got away from her, but the way she's been closing off has been fantastic and her work has been very good," Williams said.
"If they go slow she'll be right there and if they go fast she can be where I want her to be.
"I really hope the pace is on. The most important thing is that she gets a clear run from the 800 metres onwards when they can feel the pressure."
Last year Miss Finland, ridden by Lisa Cropp, had no luck in running when sixth to her now-retired stablemate Fields Of Omagh who scored with Williams in the saddle.
That was the only time Williams hasn't ridden Miss Finland in a race as he couldn't make her weight (46kg).
"She's in great order. She's bigger, stronger, more solid and more relaxed now, but unfortunately she's been too relaxed on racedays for my liking," Williams said.
Trainer David Hayes has set her for the Cox Plate and that's the race Williams believes she'll peak for, and also be right on song for the $5 million Melbourne Cup on November 6.
"Every time David has set her for a grand final she's come through," Williams said.
Hayes has again taken the blinkers off and put winkers on the Redoute's Choice mare for Saturday's weight-for-age championship of Australasia.
"She was impressive last time she had the winkers on which was when she won the VRC Oaks," Williams said.
Turnbull Stakes winner Devil Moon, to be ridden by Hugh Bowman, has drawn well in barrier three and many expect she will lead.
However trainer Mark Cavanagh was noncommittal last night.
"We won't really know where she is going to be until they go past the winning post the first time," he said.
Stablemate and three-time group one winner Divine Madonna, to be ridden by Glen Boss subject to an appeal on Friday, drew gate two but she is expected to drift back as is her usual racing style.
Dwayne Dunn is standing by to take the mount on Divine Madonna should Boss fail in his appeal.
Haradasun, who pleased trainer Tony Vasil in his gallop at Caulfield yesterday, drew beautifully in barrier four and there is a ring of confidence about the George Ryder Stakes and Doncaster Handicap winner.
Kiwi Mare Eskimo Queen galloped strongly at Moonee Valley yesterday (see OnForm).
AAP
