Racing: Talented mares worth a look

Veloce Bella ridden by Jim Collett. Photo / Greg Bowker.

The big three males at the top of the field stand out in the Zabeel Classic, but there is no shortage of mares' talent, with Obsession, November Rain, Dancing Jess and Veloce Bella chipping at their heels.

You can make an argument that all are strong hopes to get some of the money.

November Rain looks on the verge of her best form.

She could not have been more impressive winning the fillies and mares' weight-for-age at Te Rapa last start and although this is significantly harder, she should be considered.

Obsession's form - not always with a lot of luck - has been excellent.

"We felt it was time to try her over a bit more distance (2000m)," said trainer Frank Ritchie.

"She's had a couple of hard races lately, but I'm happy enough with her."

The effort of Dancing Jess in We Can Say It Now's Captain Cook Stakes last start was a whole lot better than the 12th placing suggests.

Before that she was unlucky not to finish closer than eighth in the Breeders' Stakes at Pukekohe.

The way she has been finishing her races off, the first step to 2000m might be ideal.

Not many mares can win carrying 59kg, so Veloce Bella's 2100m victory at Te Rapa last weekend was an attention grabber.