Racing: Sister Havana looks too good

The Karaka Million told you all you need to know.

Queensland filly Sister Havana was far superior and there is no reason to suspect the same scenario will not exist in tomorrow's $100,000 Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders' Stakes at Matamata.

The only question is the left-handed track, something Sister Havana has not raced on.

But that is not a reason to suspect the local juveniles will turn the Ellerslie result around.

Most believed that if Sister Havana beat the opposition in the Karaka Million she would do it with speed.

Instead, she sat three deep along the rails and blasted the opposition away in the final 300m to win by nearly two lengths.

The No 4 barrier draw this time is perfect.

Almost all juvenile events at this level are not blind speed events - they are won by horses who can run the final 150m as fast as any other race sectional and Sister Havana has proved she can do that.

Pukekohe trainer Gary Newham, who has been looking after the visitor, said after riding her in trackwork yesterday morning he was very happy with the filly, but added that she wouldn't mind some easing in the ground.

The Matamata track is reported to be good rather than firm, which should suit the filly.

In-form local rider Mark Du Plessis replaces Queensland jockey Stathi Katsidis, who did a wonderful job in the Karaka Million.

One of those who impressed when chasing Sister Havana home in the Karaka Million was third-placed Banchee.

Not helping her in that race was the outside No 14 barrier draw at the 1200m and this time she has been unlucky enough to draw No 15 of the 15 runners.

She came from well back to flash home for third at Ellerslie and from the outside again probably has no other option but to go back.

The tempo of the race should dictate how well Banchee will finish off her effort. A fast pace and she will be storming at the leaders late on her home track.

Things have not gone right for her in two starts since her highly impressive winning debut.

Another local, Irish Jewel, was barely less impressive than Banchee in finishing fifth in the Karaka Million after similarly getting back in running.

She was perhaps the surprise win favourite in the big race and did her reputation little harm in only her second race start to be just 2.25 lengths from Sister Havana.

Her No 5 barrier looks pretty good.

There is plenty of talent underneath these three fillies, but it will be a surprise if one of the trio is denied the winner's cheque.

Everlasting hasn't had all the breaks lately and he should prove difficult to beat in the $45,000 Waikato Stud Slipper, the juvenile feature for male horses. The handsome colt has run three good races since winning stylishly on debut, but things could have gone better in running for him.

With the pace on here, he should get the perfect trip from the No 1 barrier and be very difficult to hold out in the closing 200m.

The final stages of each race have been his strongest.

Sirrio hasn't done much wrong and his 2.75 lengths sixth to Sister Havana in the Karaka Million was a good effort.

The key to his chances may be his return to left-handed racing where he is trained.