Racing: Walker has two top chances

King's Ransom is one of three runners trainer Mark Walker will saddle up for the 1000 Guineas.

Trainer Mark Walker, seeking his fourth Two Thousand Guineas win since 2003, says he can't split his top two chances in the $1 million race at Riccarton tomorrow.

Walker has King's Ransom and Corsage, who feature near the top of the betting charts, and outsider Numero De Lago in the 1600m 3-year-old feature, which Canterbury Racing has shifted to give its opening day of the New Zealand Cup Carnival a higher profile.

"I think who gets the best run will be the best chance," Walker said yesterday.

He said it was hard to line up the form in the race.

"Some of it has been on wet tracks and it just depends on how they handle a good surface, so we will know on Saturday."

The TAB's bookmakers see matters the same, with little separating Keyora $4, King's Ransom $5.50, Katie Lee $6 and Corsage $7.

Keyora has certainly been the form 3-year-old of spring, winning his past three starts in a row, including the Hawkes Bay and Wellington Guineas.

He is yet to prove himself on good ground and over 1600m, though the manner of his win in the 1500m Guineas at Trentham suggests he should be fine on the latter score.

King's Ransom proved himself well on the distance factor when winning the listed Canterbury Stakes, beating the smart fillies Comme Tu Veux and Our Ella Belle at Riccarton.

He looked smart as a 2-year-old, winning the group two Wakefield Challenge Stakes at Trentham and the listed Ford Slipper at Matamata.

It would be special for Walker if King's Ransom could win, as his sire King's Chapel triumphed for him in the race in 2003. Walker has since won with Darci Brahma in 2005 and Tell A Tale last year.

"I trained his father so to win it with the son would be quite satisfying."

Stablemate Corsage, a Volksraad filly, has struck slow tracks at her past two outings, but has still run well, finishing fourth in Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings and then being first past the post in the listed Ray Coupland Stakes at Riccarton on October 18, only to lose the race in the protest room after shifting ground.

Walker said she was in blinkers the first time and that might have contributed to her running about as well, but he was impressed with the way she fought back after looking beaten. She will certainly appreciate the good track likely today.

Top apprentice James McDonald rides Corsage again, while Leith Innes will be on King's Ransom after Opie Bosson opted for the Graeme and Debbie Rogerson-trained Katie Lee.

Another of the top juveniles last season, Katie Lee could not have been more impressive when she stormed home in the listed Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa on Labour Day.

Bosson said that performance swayed him towards her over King's Ransom, though admitting it was a "hard decision".

Katie Lee has the inside draw and should get an economical trip from there.

The chances don't end with the top four, with Warrentherooster, Descarado, Military Move, Kaaptan, Joey Massino, Justanexcuse, Smokin Gun and Slashing all with credentials suggesting they can't be ruled out.

- NZPA