KEY POINTS:
What a race the $75,000 Highview Stakes at Hastings tomorrow is going to be.
Speed to burn and stamina to possibly get over the top of them.
Special Mission's unbeaten record probably entitles her to favouritism, particularly as she might have either fitness or experience on a couple of the others, but this will be a whole lot different from what she has struck so far.
She has shown speed in some of her races and in winning at Wanganui last time she showed another dimension by coming from an outside gate to be six wide around the home bend then knuckling down to gather the opposition in.
The TAB has Special Mission favourite at $2.80.
Her stablemate Insouciant is second select at $3.60 after her remarkably easy debut maiden win at Taupo last Friday, achieved with ease by a touch under six lengths. The pair give Matamata trainer a strong attack on the group three event.
Diamond Deck adds yet another dimension to the race - the ability to get back and storm home.
The beautifully bred filly went outstanding races against some strong juvenile company at the Brisbane winter carnival and it was not her fault she failed last time in the 1600m T J Smith at Eagle Farm in June.
"She is going to be better over more ground, but nothing will finish faster," says ownership manager Rick Williams.
The TAB has Diamond Deck at $4.80 for her first start following a winter break.
The extreme speed in the race should assist Diamond Deck's finishing burst late in the race.
Satinka is the value at $7.
She bolted home in the Duke Of Bedford Matamata Breeders Stakes then fought bravely for a close third to Alamosa in the group one Ford Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie after sitting parked outside the leader throughout.
Her chances will depend on the inside part of the Hastings track being in better shape than for Mudgway Stakes day.
That day the fast lanes were from three widths out and leaders, particularly after Races 3 or 4, had it tough if they stayed close up to the rail. If the rail is the place to be, look to Satinka being a threat to the favourites.
* Yesterday the TAB took a $7000 bet at $7 for Magic Cape to win tomorrow's $70,000 Jim & John Evans Classic at Pukekohe. "That's not a bad hit," said chief bookie Paul Lally.
Magic Cape has improved following his first-up third at Tauranga recently. He will be ridden by Patrick Holmes, who is returning from his New South Wales base for the ride.
The TAB wound Magic Cape into $6 as a result of the decent bet and he is the favourite ahead of El Perez at $7 and Floydeboy on $7.50.
