Nobody is in a better position to judge today's $150,000 Sires Stakes Championship than James Stormont so when he says Susie Maguire is almost a good thing it pays to listen.
Stormont was the regular driver of Susie Maguire last season and the outstanding filly has been stabledat his Pukekohe property for the past three weeks.
But he also trains and drives one of her key rivals in Itz Cherry Ripe, providing him with a unique insight into two of the biggest hopes in the group two event.
And Stormont says while he is thrilled with Itz Cherry Ripe, he thinks Susie Maguire will win.
The ace draw is a huge advantage for her, admits Stormont.
"She has the gate speed to use it and because the front line isn't that fast she could lead easily and control the race.
"But what makes it tricky for the rest of us is the fact so many of the other good horses are drawn on the second line.
"That means they will all have to move at some stage and I could see horses who are handy early getting pushed back in the shuffle up.
"So it could be a tactical nightmare.
"But I am happy with my filly. She worked well on Saturday morning and if she gets any sort of run she will be in the finish."
If Stormont's read on the race is right it will greatly aid Susie Maguire, not that she needs much help anyway.
She has looked every bit as good this summer as when she dominated the Alexandra Park juvenile fillies races last season.
She won two starts ago and was luckless from a second-line draw last start but looks certain to lead today and from there the race is her to lose.
Not that the opposition lacks class. Tarania Franco, Fight Fire With Fire, Itz Cherry Ripe, Eyecatcher Courage and Natal Franco are all high class fillies with upset potential.
But Susie Maguire's driver Terry Chmiel has the option of taking the trail should any severe mid-race pressure be applied and the filly has already won at group one level using the passing lane.
Natal Franco looks the most likely contender to play the iron horse as she was luckless on her northern debut last start, failing to get clear in the home straight.
