KEY POINTS:
If there is an emerging horse to threaten the Sires' Produce favourites it's likely to be Crossword.
The $100,000 sale purchase impressed greatly in winning just her second raceday appearance at Trentham last start, streaking away from a small field.
The bonus for Crossword is that she probably won't mind if it rains.
Both of the tracks Crossword has raced on have been firm, but she is a half sister to Keep The Message and The Message, both of whom handle, or handled, rain-affected footing.
"I guess that [rain] is not going to worry us," said trainer Mark Oulaghan.
The local trainer has a good opinion of Crossword, but knows this is a lot tougher to the five opponents the filly beat at Trentham.
"She's always shown us plenty, but whether she's capable of taking the next step up to this class remains to be seen."
This is the first time the juveniles have gone to 1400m. You might imagine good barrier draws are less important than over the traditional 2-year-old distance of 1200m, but inside gates have been a factor in this race most years.
Crossword has been lucky in No 5.
"It gives us a few options," says Oulaghan. "The main thing I'll be looking for is for her to relax as quickly as possible.
"I don't imagine she'll be in the first three or four in running."
Trainer Keith Hawtin can't contain his enthusiasm for the way his unbeaten juvenile Nightlign has improved since winning at Te Rapa two weeks ago.
Nightlign has been sold to Hong Kong and a late entry fee for this race was paid.
"He just keeps taking the next step - I haven't had a horse like him that keeps improving so much for a long time.
"Michael McNab has been riding him in his work and he says he keeps feeling better and better."
Although possibly aided by a very fast early pace which had some rivals struggling at Te Rapa, Nightlign was stylish in working away from the opposition by four lengths.
"Some of the others have been racing in group races and he has to step up, but he's shaping up really well."
Hawtin says he is unconcerned about the prospect of a wet track.
* Glamour galloper Sir Slick was yesterday a $1.65 chance to take the $100,000 Lawnmaster Awapuni Gold Cup.
So dominant is Sir Slick under the weight-for-age scale, the second favourite, Ring Of Fire, was quoted at $8 and Balmuse $8.50.
