Punters looking for the winner of today's $35,000 Thompson Handicap at Otaki are well-advised to reflect on a race at Tauherenikau just over a month ago.
It was the listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m), in which Amnesia ran second and Miss Jessie Jay fourth.
The pair meet again today in the group three Thompson (1600m), feature event at the Wellington Racing Club's meeting.
They will clash on the same weight terms as at Tauherenikau where Amnesia finished two lengths ahead of Miss Jessie Jay. The big question is whether Miss Jessie Jay has improved enough since to make up that deficit.
Trainer Kevin Gray is confident she has, pointing out that Miss Jessie Jay had not raced for a month before that event.
She has subsequently been runner-up to Joken, another rival today, at Hastings.
Miss Jessie Jay had wide barrier draws in both races which didn't help her cause and this time is favoured with No6.
"She had to work hard from that wide draw at Hastings but she ran on very strongly," Gray said.
"She's done really well since then and her work yesterday was very good. I rate her in Saturday's race."
Miss Jessie Jay will not be bothered by a rain-affected track either, if there's any rain about. Jade Rogers rides her.
The mare will not be the only string to Gray's bow in that race.
Voltaire, who will also start in the Thompson, was outfinished by Doyle, another runner today, at Trentham last week and has a useful form background.
Amnesia's co-trainer Dick Bothwell said the mare's winning record would read much better but for her poor luck in drawing wide.
"She has held her form all season and has been a bit stiff," Bothwell said.
Amnesia went a slashing race in the Anniversary Handicap (1600m) at Trentham on January 20, finishing third, half a head and a nose behind winner Andrella.
Saint Cecille was second and it was that horse who beat her in the Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes.
Then came her third to Fifty Fifty in the listed Tauranga Classic (1400m) on February 17.
"She doesn't mind it a bit wet but it was a bog and she couldn't handle Tauranga," Bothwell said.
Amnesia has progressed well since and her work during the week was first class.
- NZPA
Racing: Talented rivals meet again in Otaki feature
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