By MIKE DILLON
The Jillings/Yuill stable walk a knife-edge over Flying Babe's run in Saturday's $25,000 Ashwell Farm Foal Stakes.
The speed Machine is coming back from a virus and they need to have her fit enough to beat some smart types without taking the edge off her for next week's $120,000 Ford Ellerslie Sires Produce.
The virus has prevented Flying Babe from racing since she ran away with the Matamata Breeders Stakes on February 24, and it will be a major training feat if she wins over the next two Saturdays.
"We feel we've done enough with her to be competitive," said co-trainer Richard Yuill yesterday.
"But she is going to improve an awful lot with the race."
The rain that is forecast could make it tough for Flying Babe, not because of the conditions, but because a soft or heavy track would accentuate her lack of solid conditioning.
"We're not actually worried about a wet track, because she seems to be able to handle any sort of footing, but she won't be as seasoned as the others if it comes down to a slog," said Yuill.
Flying Babe will start regardless of track conditions.
"She couldn't run in the 1400m next week if she didn't have a race."
She will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan, who was on the filly at Matamata and when winning the $500,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Classique at Te Rapa.
The stable is also looking for a big run in the $120,000 Jaguar Easter Handicap from Classic Babe.
Not many horses compete in a 3200m Auckland Cup and come back a few months later and win a 1600m Easter Handicap, but Yuill believes Classic Babe can do it.
"Even though she ran in the Cup, I wouldn't say at this stage she's an out-and-out stayer. Most of her good form has been up to 1600m. She'll run a good race."
The stable has a good chance of taking the final event on Saturday with Kakaho, provided the track stays reasonable.
"He'll struggle if the conditions get too bad, but he's starting to look a very promising horse on good footing."
O'Sullivan will also ride Classic Babe and Kakaho.
Racing: Virus-hit speed machine looks for double whammy
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