By MIKE DILLON
Showella and Sunline are in Takanini paddocks less than 300m apart but there's a world of difference in outlook for their international campaigns.
Showella is off on a multi-million dollar Australian campaign and Sunline is cooling her heels on a trip to Dubai.
Co-owner and trainer Trevor McKee yesterday received assurances that there were no problems at this stage about getting in and out of Dubai with Sunline, but refused to confirm that New Zealand's champion mare is a certain starter in the $US2 million ($4.7 million) Dubai Duty Free on Saturday week.
McKee is waiting for confirmation from New Zealand customs and MAF officials, along with their counterparts in Australia, that Sunline will be allowed back into this part of the world in light of England's foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Assurances from Dubai look promising.
"I was in touch with the Dubai agricultural minister last night and he assured me that at least at this point there was no problem in getting out of Dubai after the race," said McKee.
"But I have yet to receive the same assurance from Australia and New Zealand in terms of getting back in.."
To most people, McKee's response would seem pedantic, but to have a mare capable of winning $5 million in a six-month period locked up in a quarantine paddock for that time makes no sense to anyone.
Meanwhile, Sunline is in sparkling condition since returning from winning Saturday's Apollo Stakes at Warwick Farm in Sydney.
McKee said the $10 million dollar mare will do no further fast work before landing in Dubai.
"She is right up to the mark and if she goes, she can do some decent work when she gets there."
Directly across the road from the McKee property, Showella is in similar condition.
The decision was made yesterday to go ahead and start in Monday's $A1.25 million Australian Cup at Flemington.
Naturally there had been concerns on how the high-class mare would come through Saturday's tough and close second in the $100,000 Lion Red Stakes, and co-trainer Frank Ritchie yesterday dispelled any doubts t on the mare's fitness.
"She has come through the run sensationally," said Ritchie.
"She is kicking and bucking around the place and looking wonderful."
Showella will be flown to Melbourne early on Saturday and will have a full 48 hours to settle into Mike Moroney's Flemington stable to tackle fellow New Zealanders Cent Home, Giovana and Kaapstad Way in Monday's feature. Hill Of Grace was flown to Melbourne on Monday night and will add further strength to the field.
Brett Prebble has been confirmed as the rider of Showella. Last weekend Prebble rode West Australian galloper Northerly, the initial favourite for the Australian Cup, but was replaced for Monday's race by Greg Childs after being beaten at Caulfield.
Racing: Showella off as Sunline teamawait papers
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