Racing: Solvini should revel in her No1 barrier draw

The $150,000 Diamond Stakes is so even it could be decided by the barrier draw.

If that's the case dashing Taranaki winner Solvini is going to play a major role from the No 1 gate.

Solvini simply left them to it when she won in stakes company at New Plymouth last start, clearing away by a touch less than five lengths.

From her draw the McKee-trained filly should get the same cosy run behind the speed she did that day.

Conversely, southern filly Italia will have to come out of the No 14 barrier.

Co-trainer Shane Kennedy is understandably frustrated after Italia drew No 13 of the 13 runners in the Robin, Duke Of Bedford Stakes at Matamata last start.

Italia was forced over extra ground as a result and did well to finish only 2.2 lengths from impressive winner Naturo.

Kennedy said he would love to see the Ellerslie track remain in the same condition as Wednesday with a little yield to it.

"I'd love to see some jar out of it - that's probably the thing that's taken its toll on the filly as much as anything lately.

"Physically she's very well."

So is stablemate Hurrah, who turned in one of the worst performances of his career when he finished last behind Snazzy in the group one $100,000 Whakanui Stud International at Te Rapa last start.

Rider Noel Harris said Hurrah did not feel quite right during the race and immediately afterwards the horse showed signs of being off-colour.

"It took three or four days for him to come right, but he's right back to it now," says Kennedy.

"I hadn't seen him for 2 weeks before I came back up north here and I could see a noticeable difference in him.

"He's really thriving now."

Hurrah looked very strong in the coat when he worked in dashing style at last week's Breakfast With The Stars at Ellerslie.

He could be a real upset factor in the $150,000 Starcraft Stakes.

Snazzy showed his appreciation of being taken back up to 2000m when he won the Whakanui.

He should get the perfect run from barrier No 4.

An on-speed bias made the Whakanui a difficult form race to go forward with and Bazelle, fifth in that race, can perhaps be forgiven.

A better guide to Bazelle's chances is her eclipse of the Zabeel Classic over 2000m on this track the start before on December 26.

Snazzy grabbed Tusker by only a long neck at Te Rapa and the Cambridge mare has to rate highly again.