By MIKE DILLON
The scratching of underrated She's A Meanie makes the task easier for Mr Emperor in the $18,000 Kings Arms Tavern Sprint at Ellerslie tomorrow.
She's a Meanie has recovered from the abcess on her neck that troubled her earlier this week, but the interruption was enough for trainer Paul Milich to cancel a trip to Riccarton for the mare.
"If we are not going south she doesn't need to race this week, so we will wait for Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup day," said Milich.
Mr Emperor looked certain to win when he burst between horses 220m out when resuming from a spell at Ellerslie two weeks ago.
However, he ran out of condition and only battled the last bit, finishing fourth.
He is certain to be fitter for this, but has an awkward outside barrier at the 1200m.
Because he drops back early in almost all his races, the outside draw may not be as big a disadvantage as it would appear at first.
What would help is a decent pace to allow the leaders to be coming back to the pack when Mr Emperor produces his flashing finish.
With Madhuri Dixit in the field, that looks possible.
The Takanini mare is a natural speedster and from No1 barrier is certain to set up a decent tempo.
Jaiapeno surprisingly got back last from the No 1 gate in Mr Emperor's race two weeks ago.
She was never a winning chance after that. But she made ground nicely the last 200m and finished only three lengths from the winner Mr Esteem.
Mr Esteem looked good winning that day, but he has a tougher assignment this time.
He is up in the weights and has to come out of a much wider barrier.
He has a good finish though and is another who can dash into it late if the pace is strong.
Star Of Gold and Madhuri Dixit offer reasonable trifecta chances.
Roger James will run Spring Rain at either Trentham or Te Rapa on Monday.
James scratched Spring Rain from both races he accepted for at Trentham tomorrow because of the soft track conditions.
"I will make up my mind where to run her on Saturday night.
"I would like to think the Trentham track could get back to reasonable footing for Monday."
Racing: Way not so mean now for Mr Emperor
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.