Anabandana outclassed her opposition in the Gold Trial Stakes. Photo / NZ Herald
Caulfield can be a cruel racetrack when your luck is out.
Scarlett Lady and James McDonald found that out in Saturday's Underwood Stakes.
If you have taken the relatively short odds on the high class New Zealander in the Caulfield Cup, fear not.
The effort to finish mid-field was a lot better than the placing looks on paper.
McDonald found himself at the back of the field on the rail after an ordinary beginning.
Scarlett Lady copped a bad check at the 1400m, for which the opposing rider received an 11-raceday suspension.
"She copped it again at the 1000m and was virtually put out of the race," said co-trainer Debbie Rogerson.
She might have been out of contention for the win, but the effort Scarlett Lady put in late in the race was stylish.
McDonald kept at her from the home bend and the mare responded, despite the fact the 1800m is well short of her best.
She ran the final 200m in 11.92, at least as fast and probably faster than the impressive winner Lion Tamer.
"She's come through the race well, which is the most important thing," said Debbie Rogerson.
"These riders certainly play for keeps here.
"But she's fine and our main mission has always been the Caulfield Cup."
Scarlett Lady will have her final Caulfield Cup lead-up in the 2000m Turnbull Stakes on October 2.
Anabandana, well, what can you say? Only that how are they going to beat her in New Zealand this season if she stays in one piece after her easy win in the Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings.
The real question is whether she'll take on the best fillies in Australia and if so, when. There is Filly Of The Year to consider, but the money and greater excitement is a 3- hour plane trip away.
And owner Chris Grace is all about excitement. Why not. Getting to the winning post first is so damn hard you should always shake the hand of your worst enemy when they win.
To get one as good as Anabandana to dream about every night is just that - a dream.
Speaking of that, the filly's trainer Don Sellwood will finally be able to sleep again - at least until three days out from her next race.
The racing industry in Waikato looks to centralise operations.